A London branch of KFC has been charged with a number of hygiene offences.

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

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

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.

The allegations against the branch were outlined in court documents presented at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

A spokesman for KFC said: "As soon as we were made aware of the results of the EHO (environmental health officer) inspection, which occurred back in August 2008, we took immediate action to bring the restaurant back up to our strict hygiene standards."

The fast food chain faces 13 charges brought under food hygiene regulations following an inspection on August 15 last year.

A court official said KFC pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges. A case management hearing will be held on February 22.