SUPERMARKET giant Tesco today took the unprecedented step of releasing a statement in the middle of its trial for having a vermin problem at its Martlesham superstore.

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco today took the unprecedented step of releasing a statement in the middle of its trial for having a vermin problem at its Martlesham superstore.

This week the trial of the company has opened at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court and evidence has been heard from environmental officers from Suffolk Coastal Council and other experts about the problems they found at the store.

The prosecution finished on Wednesday - but because of scheduling problems the defence in the case is not due to start until November.

During the prosecution case, witnesses said the store was infested with mice at various times between April and August 2007.

The case is being heard by district judge David Cooper.

Now Tesco has issued a statement saying: "We would like our customers to know we are doing everything to address any perceived issues at the store and customers can continue to have complete confidence in shopping at Tesco Martlesham store."

He would not say anything further because the court case is to continue later in the year.

The company is understood to be concerned that customers may go to other stores as a result of the opening of the court case - and is also putting up signs around the Martlesham store aimed at reassuring shoppers.