Police are investigating allegations of food contamination at a crown court in east London after judges’ lunches at Snaresbrook Crown Court were allegedly spiked with urine.

The Sun newspaper said it was feared someone with a grudge against the justice system had launched a revenge campaign.

Traces of urine were believed to have been found in soups, salads and sandwiches.

A private dining room known as the advocates’ lounge has been shut down until further notice, the newspaper said.

Staff working there are believed to have been suspended while the probe goes on, it said, adding that all are thought to have been supplied to the court by Eurest Services, a division of catering giant Compass.

A spokeswoman for Eurest Services said it was "aware of a suspected case of food contamination."