Security guard attacked after a man is asked to leave Sainsbury's for not following social distancing rules

The attack took place at Sainsbury’s, near Wessington Way on Friday, April 3.

Police say a man scratched the security guard’s face when he was asked to leave the store then returned with other members of his family and carried out a further assault on the same security guard.

The security guard was taken to hospital with injuries to his face and jaw after the attack.

Supermarkets are strictly enforcing the Government’s rules on social distancing during coronavirus, with customers required to stay a minimum of two metres apart from each other and numbers of customers allowed in the shops at any time limited.

A police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 3.45pm on April 3, police received a report of an assault at Sainsbury’s on Riverside Road, Sunderland.

“It was reported that after being asked to leave the store for not following social distancing guidelines and attempting to jump the queue, a man became aggressive and had to be removed by security.

“The man then scratched a security guard and left the scene, but returned shortly after with his family and further assaulted the security guard causing injuries to his face and jaw that required surgery.

“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to trace the individuals involved.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting reference number 587 03/04/20.

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