A security guard was left needing surgery after being attacked by a man who was asked to Sainsbury's for not following social distancing guidelines during Covid-19.
Northumbria Police were called to Sainsbury’s on Riverside Road, Sunderland, after reports of an assault shortly after 3.45pm on April 3.
It was reported that the man in question had attempted to jump the queue in the store and became aggressive when he was asked to leave by security.
The man scratched the security guard and left, but later returned with family and attacked the guard again - leaving him with injuries to his face and jaw that needed surgery.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police : "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 any information is asked to contact police using reference number 587 03/04/20."
