Tesco Extra in Reading evacuated over one-man protest

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-41600332

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A Tesco supermarket has been evacuated after a man climbed into the roof space inside the store.

The man, believed to be a former security guard, climbed on to the girders above the checkouts in Tesco Extra in Portman Road, Reading.

He is understood to be in a long-running dispute with the supermarket and its security firm, TSS.

Thames Valley Police said it was called to reports of a "fear for welfare of a man" and the store was closed.

The man, understood to be the same person seen protesting outside the store for several months, posted several live videos on Facebook showing him in the roof space at about 18:15 BST.

Banners erected outside the store indicate he has been in dispute with the supermarket and TSS, since his employment was terminated.

A Tesco spokeswoman said the company was still establishing the circumstances of the incident but believed the man had not been directly employed by Tesco but was a member of security staff.

Shoppers reported being told to abandon their shopping when the man began "yelling" from the ceiling of the store, although they could not understand what he was saying.

A statement from the supermarket said: "We're aware of an incident at our Reading West Extra store and are assisting police with the matter."

TSS has been contacted for a response.