Rat spotted inside Melton's Domino's Pizza shop

Members of the public were taking pictures of the rat through the shop window. At the time of going to press it was seen roaming in the shop’s customer waiting area.

Taxi driver Vicki Greaves, who spotted the rat this morning, said: “I saw it at about 8.50am and contacted the council. I’ve eaten here before but now I’ve seen that rat I won’t be anymore. It’s disgusting.”

Domino’s Pizza spokeswoman Nina Arnott said: “Following a report of a lone rat in the customer waiting area of our Melton Mowbray store, we have immediately arranged for a pest control visit. We are proud of our ‘very high’ food hygiene rating in this store, so it will remain closed until we are 100 per cent satisfied this was an isolated incident. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”

Victoria Clarke, Melton Council’s environmental protection and safety manager, said: “Obviously we’re taking it very seriously. Up until now we have had no concerns at all about pests in that property. We’re hoping it’s a one-off.”

The shop had been due to open at 11am today but will remain closed until further notice.

The outlet has a notice on display showing it has a top food hygiene rating of five from the Food Standards Agency, indicating the business has been found to have ‘very good’ hygiene standards.

More to follow.