Staff at a Home Bargains store 'walked out' over social distancing concerns.
An employee at one branch spoke of their shock at how many people were allowed inside the shop.
Police were called to the South Shields store and took no further action but say they will 'monitor the situation'.
A spokesperson for the company has denied there was any wrongdoing or relaxation of social distancing - but a staff member who witnessed it claimed there were issues.
The worker told ChronicleLive : "I walked into the store and my first thought was 'is the coronavirus over then?'
"There was no queue outside and no-one manning the door. It was a free-for-all in the shop, it was like a zoo.
"I talked to other members of staff and one told me that an NHS worker who was in the store was panicking about catching it because she had to go to work.
"Customers were complaining to management too.."
The member of staff told ChronicleLive that, of the 30-40 on site, between 12-15 employees walked out, although some later returned.
A spokesperson for Home Bargains management denied there were failings: "All of our stores currently have social distancing procedures in place, including our South Shields store.
"Members of our senior management team have visited the site today to ensure that all relevant procedures are being followed and to reassure staff and customers after concerns were initially raised.
"We have also spoken with Northumbria Police, who have confirmed that they are happy with our social distancing arrangements in store.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson confirmed an officer attended the store.
They said: “We can confirm that police were called to the Home Bargains store at Millbank Industrial Estate today (Monday) shortly after 11am following social distancing concerns at the store.
“An officer visited the store and spoke to management. We are satisfied that social distancing measures remain in place at the store and we will monitor the situation.”
