Customers at an Italian restaurant were shocked to see a rat on the premises.

A total of four complaints were made to food and safety officers after the rodent was spotted in the Ask restaurant, in The Square, Abingdon, on Saturday evening.

The Vale of White Horse District Council said that the premises would not be investigated further as the incident was considered to be a one-off.

Council spokesman Victoria Tilley said: “Food and safety officers from the council have visited the venue to inspect it, and Ask has also carried out its own pest inspection.

“Neither inspection revealed any sign of an ongoing problem — it appears this was an isolated incident involving one rat. The council is satisfied no further action is needed.”

Richard Froud, of the Village Green, Sutton Courtenay, was celebrating his daughter Emily’s 20th birthday at the restaurant on Saturday.

The 51-year-old said: “I don’t think I will be eating there again.

“I went out to have a nice clean meal, eating in a decent restaurant. This is about basic health and hygiene.”

Mr Froud, who has just been made redundant, and his party forked out £455 for the meal for 20 people but said staff refused to waive the bill, although another table left without paying.

Ask spokesman Amanda Jacobs said: “This was an isolated incident caused by a door that was opened at the back of the restaurant momentarily resulting in a rodent entering the premises from the street.

“As soon as we became aware of the situation, we acted immediately.”