Thieves threaten staff with wooden stick at Tesco Extra in Bulls Bridge, Hayes

Thieves reportedly threatened staff with a wooden stick before running out of the Tesco Extra store at Bulls Bridge in Hayes on Tuesday 27 October.

It happened at about 10:40am. Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows a scuffle near the store exit while shoppers at the self-service tills stopped to watch.

The group reportedly ran from the store after the confrontation. It is not known what, if anything, was taken, or whether any staff member or shopper was hurt.

What is confirmed

The Metropolitan Police have not publicly confirmed the incident, and it is not known whether anyone has been arrested. Tesco has not commented publicly.

The account of what happened comes from the footage and from people who were there. Details including how many people were involved and what happened after they left the store have not been confirmed by police.

About the store

The Tesco Extra sits on the Bulls Bridge Industrial Estate off Hayes Road, with the postcode UB2 5LN. It lies on the border of Hayes and Southall, close to the junction of the Grand Union Canal and its Paddington Arm.

It is one of the largest supermarkets in the area. As well as groceries, it sells a wide range of household and non-food goods, and shoppers from Hayes, Southall and the surrounding area use it every day.

Shoplifting, and the abuse and threats retail workers can face when they try to stop it, has been a growing concern for shops across London in recent years. Retailers and shopworkers' unions have repeatedly called for stronger action to protect staff.

Contacting police

Anyone who saw what happened or has information can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, or report online through the Met's website. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is happening.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.