Council releases shocking pictures of rat-infested restaurant

Shocking pictures of an Indian restaurant that was closed due to a rat infestation have been released.

Officials had discovered the rodents and other pests at Hastings Indian Cuisine, on Queens Road, following an unannounced food safety inspection in February last year.

The restaurant’s owner Siddiqur Rahman was fined £2,500 after pleading guilty to five charges at Hastings magistrates court on January 29.

The council found he had ‘an active and heavy infestation of rats and other pests’ when it visited his restaurant and immediately served a hygiene emergency prohibition notice.

Cllr Jay Kramer, the council’s lead member for environment and safety, said: ‘The magistrates explained they have a duty of care to protect the public.

‘The offences were of a very serious nature and Mr Rahman had not undertaken due diligence when considering the maintenance and cleaning of his premises.’

Hastings Borough Council was awarded costs of £1,450, with £50 victim surcharge added.