An Indian restaurant is being investigated after reports of a cockroach infestation.

Nala Bheema’s in Maidstone High Street has been forced to stop serving food and is undergoing a deep clean.

The restaurant is in Jubilee Square, between Santander and Mallus – another Indian eatery.

It was formerly called Reddys Indian Cuisine and before that it was a McColl’s convenience store.

A sign posted in the front window of the business says a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served on Tuesday, January 2.

It states: “There is a live, widespread active cockroach infestation with all stages of the life cycle and poor cleaning resulting in a significant risk of contamination.”

It has been issued by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) and signed by the Food and Safety Team in Tunbridge Wells.

A spokesman said: “MBC can confirm that it is investigating an environmental health inquiry at Nala Bheema’s.”

The establishment is rated 3.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and on the door it has been given a four-star rating by the Food Standards Agency.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice is served when an environmental health officer (EHO) visits a business and believes the conditions inside present an imminent risk of injury to health.

They are frequently used when officers can identify pest infestations or pest activity in areas where food is prepared and handled.

Other issues which can be flagged include evidence of very poor structural conditions, poor maintenance and cleaning, as well as accumulations of refuse or dirt that result in a significant risk of food contamination.

During this time, the business operator is banned from using the premises or equipment and would have to temporarily shut.

The prohibition will remain in place until the officer is satisfied sufficient measures have been taken to eliminate the risks highlighted.

A spokesman from Nala Bheema’s confirmed the restaurant is currently closed to customers.

He said: “We are waiting for further orders from the EHO.

“We are doing regular pest control and deep cleaning. We are also getting some renovation and hygiene works.”