Ipswich councillor on assault arrest in Tesco Express

Officers were called to reports that a staff member had been hit with a bottle at the Tavern Street store at about 7.45am on Monday.

A forensics van was parked outside the store in the old Croydon's building as a cordon was put in place, forcing the shop to close.

A forensics team was seen outside the Tesco store (Image: Newsquest) A spokesman for Suffolk police said the victim was taken to hospital, but the extent of their injuries is not yet known. 

Police arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of assault and he was taken to Martlesham police investigation centre for questioning.

The store reopened later in the day, with Tesco saying "every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work".

John Cook, Ipswich borough councillor for the Alexandra ward, which includes much of the town centre, said attacks on shop workers is "appalling criminal behaviour".

Ipswich councillor John Cook said shop workers can be in a vulnerable position (Image: Newsquest) Other shops in Ipswich have reported serious issues with shoplifting and occasionally violent thieves, including the Ipswich Bazaar store in the nearby Carr Street.

However, Mr Cook said he hoped the incident at the Tesco store on Monday morning would be an isolated incident.

He added: “One would hope this is an isolated incident.

“Protection of retail workers against criminal behaviour is something I’ve long campaigned on and I know retail workers are often in a vulnerable position.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work.

“We continue to assist the police with their inquiries following the incident at our Ipswich Tavern Street Express.”