Cockroaches, mice and flies were found at one of the busiest branches of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Britain, environmental health inspectors claimed yesterday.

Officials said a cockroach scurried across a counter when they visited a branch of the fast food giant in Leicester Square, central London.

They claimed a mouse was seen running across the floor and flies buzzed around their heads at the Coventry Street premises.

Inspectors also recorded evidence of black sticky grease caking bread roll containers and trays of raw chicken.

They claimed dirty cloths were used to wipe food preparation surfaces, chicken racks were covered in congealed fat and food warming units were dirty.

Officials also alleged a one-metre pool of dried blood was found on the floor and deeply-engrained grime covered walls and shelves.

Mould and dirt was found on the floor of the food preparation room and on walls, doors and ceilings, they claimed.

KFC, based in Goldsworth Road, Surrey, is being prosecuted by environmental health officers at City of Westminster Council.

The allegations against the branch were outlined in court documents presented at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday.