Shocking images of Peppers Burgers in Walton Street have been exclusively uncovered by this newspaper.

Taken by hygiene inspectors on March 31, they show the disgusting standards of the bosses and workers at the time of the visit.

The dead mouse was found lay on top of a black bin bag, surrounded by mouse droppings, behind a chest freezer in the storeroom next to the kitchen.

Smear marks on pipework beneath sinks at Peppers Burgers, Oxford (Image: Oxford City Council)

Peppers Burgers in Walton Street, Oxford (Image: Matthew Evans)

Mouse droppings around a pizza oven at peppers Burgers, Oxford. (Image: Oxford City Council)

Smear marks on the kitchen floor and by the expandable foam. (Image: Oxford City Council)

Gaps in Peppers Burgers which would let rodents pass through (Image: Oxford City Council)

Other images show attempts by the owner to pest proof gaps in the building with expandable foam.

But on the foam is rodent smear marks and gaps of “sufficient size” for rodents to pass around the edges of he suspended timber kitchen floor.

Further smear marks can be seen on the pipework below preparation room sinks and droppings on the floor beneath the sinks.

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There are also pictures showing mouse droppings under the pizza oven.

Shockingly, mouse droppings were also on the shelf used to store wrapping paper for takeaway food meaning it would have come into contact with ready to eat food, inspectors said.

Gaps in Peppers Burgers which would let rodents pass through (Image: Oxford City Council)

Dead mouse circled and large amounts of mouse droppings behind chest freezer of Peppers Burgers, Oxford. (Image: Oxford City Council)

Smear marks on pipework beneath sinks at Peppers Burgers, Oxford (Image: Oxford City Council)

The eatery, which was formerly described as a “rite of passage” for new arrivals in Oxford, was shut down on March 31.

But documents released by the hygiene inspectors show the takeaway still open and customers being served one evening despite being asked “immediately” to cease trading.

Ryan Cobb, principal lead officer for food safety at Oxford City Council, described the burger bar as being an “imminent risk to health” after what was found inside.

He said: “No food safe sanitiser or food safe disinfectant were found in the premises to remove pathogenic bacteria carried by mice.

“There is an imminent risk of contamination of food, food packing, food contact surfaces and food equipment which is likely to result in food poisoning and transmission of many other communicable disease.”

This newspaper has also uncovered there were concerns about Peppers Burgers by Oxford City Council in January 2024, when hygiene officials paid a visit.

At the time, an open tub of mayonnaise was on the same shelf in the fridge as cooked chicken thighs and raw burgers.

And in a second chiller, prepared salad was stored alongside more raw burgers.

The inspectors expressed concern and a lack of confidence in the management of Peppers Burgers.

During a visit in 2024, Food Standards Agency gave Peppers Burgers just one-out-of-five on its overall standards – a rating described as ‘major improvement’ needed.

Thames Valley Police has issued guidance to motorists after noting the increase, in particular with cars with keyless entry.

A spokesperson said: “We are seeing a significant increase in the theft of motor vehicles across Oxfordshire, particularly involving keyless entry cars.

READ MORE: Oxford motoring group calls for ‘cycling education’ after A40 incident

“Offenders are using specialist technology to copy or relay the signal from car key fobs, allowing them to unlock and steal vehicles without forcing entry.”

Among the measures the force recommends are to keep keys in a Faraday pouch when not in use and to use a steering wheel lock as a deterrent.

The spokesperson added: “To help protect your vehicle, please consider the following measures.

“Keep your car keys in a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking box when not in use. Use a steering wheel lock as a visible deterrent.

READ MORE: Hundreds of objections to plans for major chicken farm by Oxfordshire village

“Where possible, install drive‑way bollards or gates. Park in a well-lit area and, if you have one, use your garage.

“Keep keys away from doors and windows inside your home. Taking these extra steps can make a real difference and help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

“If you see anything suspicious, report it to Thames Valley Police via 101 or online web form. In an emergency, always call 999.”

The former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter has lived in Oxfordshire for several years, owning Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington.

He added to this a couple of years ago with the £1,000,000 purchase of The Windmill pub in Asthall, which he renamed The Farmer’s Dog.

Having renovated the spot, Mr Clarkson opened it up to the public in August of 2024, and it has been a hit, regularly attracting large numbers of customers.

READ MORE: Inside Cotswolds shop used by Jeremy Clarkson and former Prime Minister

The TV star is also set to appear at The Great British Farm Fest at NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire later this month from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 24.

Speaking to the media ahead of the new event, which has been dubbed the UK’s “biggest country fair and music festival”, Mr Clarkson made some raw points on the farming industry.

“I’m in an extremely fortunate position with other income streams, so I’m probably not the best person to answer that,” he said.

“I can’t even begin to imagine how awful it must be for farmers who don’t host Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which is most farmers.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson invites girl, 4, to farm after yobs destroy her egg stall

“But, you know, it must just be utterly, utterly soul-destroying with what’s going on now- absolutely soul-destroying.

“I mean, it hurts me enough when you lose money, which we managed to do last year, and you just think, ‘Christ, we put a lot of work into that and have lost money’.

“It fills me with despair.”

Mr Clarkson returns to screens next month (Wednesday, June 3) with the fifth series of Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video.