He had faced floods and infernos but a pair of mice proved too much for one officer when he was sent on shift at Waltham Abbey Fire Station.

The fire-fighter had been sent out by bosses to open the station, in Sewardstone Road, last friday evening (December 5) - but refused to stay in there after spotting the furry beasts in the kitchen.

After tearfully phoning control to inform them he would not stay, unamused bosses ordered him back to the station, leading to a two hour standoff between the officer and his superiors.

The station remained closed until the shaking man was asked to return by bosses at 10pm.

Waltham Abbey station is staffed by fire officers during the week, but part- time retained fire-fighters take over during the weekend, answering emergency call-outs.

The officer, a retained fire-fighter is due to return to work today (December 11) to face possible disciplinary action.

Francis Beckett from the Fire Brigade Union confirmed that they had spoken to the officer in question.

He said: “We do ask officers working alone at stations to carry out a risk assessment, on this particular night there were a number of factors that meant the officer didn’t feel comfortable working alone -part of which was a mouse infestation.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gordon Hunter said: "We can confirm that the station was closed as a result of an issue surrounding two mice. This matter is now subject of an internal investigation."

A spokesman for Essex fire and rescue denied reports that they had sent exterminators to the station.