Environmental health officers are investigating a Chippenham takeaway after a customer claimed he found a fingernail clipping in his chow mein.

Josh Davis, 25, from Long Close in Chippenham said he found the clipping in his Chinese meal ordered late at night from Tasty House in New Road on Sunday.

But takeaway owner Terry Chin said Mr Davis was a regular customer who often made bogus complaints in order to get a refund.

Mr Davis said he ordered the special chow mein and spare ribs and was tucking in when the offending nail was spotted.

He said: “It was disgusting, I was almost sick.

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to eat Chinese food again.

“From now on I’m going to have to watch what I order from any takeaway.”

He added: “I’ve been eating there for 15 years.

“It’s very annoying, I spent £12.40 and I was really looking forward to it. But in the end I was left gagging.”

Mr Davis rang the shop for a refund but was turned down.

The food and attached clipping were taken to the Environmental Health department at Wiltshire Council and officers will be carrying out an examination of the nail to see if it comes from anyone who works at the takeaway.

Owner Mr Chin said: “Josh is someone we have known for a long time.

“He is always making malicious complaints to avoid paying.

“I’ve been here for 23 years.

“If I had finger nails in my food I would have been closed down by now.

“Anyone can put a finger nail in some food and take it to Environmental Health.

“They will be carrying out an investigation.”

Mr Davis said his complaints had been legitimate.

He said: “Sometimes the delivery takes too long and things turn up a bit cold.

“They have also been rude to me on the phone.”

A council spokesman said: “We take all complaints seriously and will look into all issues reported to us.

“We received the clipping and food, and will be contacting the business directly.”