by JENI CONNIBEER

A superstore in Friern Barnet has a problem with unwanted, and four-legged, customers.

Some decidedly unattractive visitors to Tesco in Colney Hatch Lane are proving to be a major threat to profits. Firstly they have no money, and secondly, they are mice.

Staff are engaged in a pitched battle with the tiny store invaders.

One customer said she had bought bread which had been nibbled. Tesco bosses are co-operating with environmental health officers from Barnet Council to try to get rid of the problem.

The customer said she was going to freeze her bread as evidence. 'I know people who work there and they are well aware of the problem. There have been lots of complaints.'

A spokesman for Tesco said it would be an exaggeration to say the store room was overrun.

'We are aware of a situation at the store. There have been a couple of sightings. We have identified how they are getting into the building which wasn't easy ,, they only need a gap the size of a pencil.

'Now we have blocked the gap our environmental health officer is working with the EHO at the council to try and sort out the problem.

'We are working hard to ensure that it's put right as soon as possible. Health and hygiene is a priority of ours,' she said.