A CHINESE buffet restaurant wants to clear up vicious rumours it was closed by the council and that cats and dogs had been found in the freezers.

The East Orient Buffet owners have stressed they have never been closed by environmental health officers and believe the allegations were started by youths on social networking site Facebook.

Groups on the site called ‘East Orient tomorrow....lol jk (laugh out loud joke) dog and cat ain’t my cup of tea’ had more than 1,250 members within days of being created including a large number of Warrington high school pupils.

Police are now investigating how the allegations started after a council spokesman confirmed there had been no complaints about the Horsemarket Street restaurant.

Alan Shek, acting manager, said: “A group of youngsters came in behaving badly and being rude to other customers last week.

“They were using bad language, throwing food and other customers were complaining, so we asked them to leave.

“We’re not sure they have anything to do with it but it’s the only thing that’s stuck in my mind.”

Mr Shek described the allegations as ‘upsetting and disgusting’ and said they had never known anything like it before.

A number of people have been defending the buffet restaurant on Facebook as well as reassuring the owners they did not believe the rumours.

The premises was given four stars, the second highest rating available, following a hygiene inspection in January.

A council spokesman added: “Following a site visit this week, there is no evidence to substantiate recent claims about the standards of meat supplied on this premises.”

Owner William Shek said: “To be subjected to such an unprovoked allegation with no basis is very insensitive and immature – especially in these modern times where racism and stereotypes are supposed to be a thing of the past.

“We are extremely disappointed by the groups and their supporters and any further allegations against the East Orient Buffet in the future will, without any hesitation, be pursued by all means available.”