Poundland in the Whitgift Centre has been banned from selling food after mice were discovered in the store.

The Croydon town centre store put up a sign informing customers of the vermin problem on Tuesday November 22.

A spokesman for Croydon Council confirmed its food safety inspectors have been called to the store to investigate.

He said: “The council is aware of the situation and is working with the store management to ensure the safety of the public.”

Andrew Bauer Whitgift Centr director said: “As part of the environmental health officer`s review of the Whitgift , mice were found to be active within the Poundland unit and they have subsequently been served a prohibition notice on the sale of food products.

“This is a current problem specific to this store, with the Whitgift having a clean bill of health after the inspection.”

A Poundland spokesman said: "Poundland has been informed of a vermin problem that has affected a number of businesses at the Whitgift Shopping Centre, Croydon.

"Poundland takes Health & Safety issues very seriously and is working closely with the local authority to combat the issue.

"Poundland continues to trade, but as a precaution has stopped the sale of all food products until the problem has been resolved."