Tesco has suspended its online delivery service in a part of Dublin following a spate of alleged attacks on drivers.
The company will 'curtail' deliveries in a small number of areas in West Tallaght due to anti-social behaviour.
It is claimed that drivers have apparently been 'intimidated, robbed and even shot at with a pellet gun' while on duty, Dublin Live reports.
One Tesco driver from Tallaght said that there has been up to six attacks on drivers, that he was aware of, in the area.
He said that the drivers were being targeted for their stock but added that it served 'no reflection on [the area's] customers'.
He told RTE's Liveline: “We as drivers are very upset this has come about. But it’s not safe for us to go and deliver to our lovely customers.”
Disney to ban smoking at its theme parks under strict new rules
It is not known how long the service will be suspended for.
Liveline added: "Pauline, who is a cancer patient, has relied on Tesco's online shopping service to get her messages until recently.
"But now they won't deliver to her part of Tallaght any more because thugs attacked a Tesco van with a pellet gun and assaulted several other drivers."
She told the radio programme: "Initially I was asked to pick up my shopping in Clondalkin, but that's not possible as I'm wheelchair bound."
“I can understand what the drivers are doing. I’m absolutely shocked at the extent and nature of attacks on the delivery men."
She added: “Someone like me suffers because of a handful of gurriers. It’s so unfair.”
“A lot of people [who use the service] are ill or elderly. It’s absolutely vital for me. I don’t know what I’m going to do without it.”
A Tesco spokerson said: "From time to time we may curtail services in an area for a period of time due to incidents of anti-social behaviour in order to protect our colleagues and our customers.
"At present following several incidents, we are curtailing deliveries in a small number of areas in West Tallaght with an alternative collection option open to customers at Clondalkin and Naas.
"While we appreciate the inconvenience caused, the safety of our colleagues and customers is of paramount importance."
