Two would-be shoplifters in Southampton had to be thrown out of a Co-op store after getting 'violent' and putting the store into lockdown.

According to eyewitnesses, two women in the Archers Road store started arguing with staff and then became violent, throwing goods and threatening workers.

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The eyewitnesses said the pair had to be physically escorted off the premises before the store's doors were locked, trapping other customers inside for their own protection to stop them coming back in.

Those who witnessed the incident said staff handled the situation very well, but clearly looked very upset and troubled by the incident.

Hampshire police confirmed the incident took place, with a spokesperson adding: “Police were called at 10.03am this morning (16 June) to reports of an attempted shoplifting at Co-op, Archers Road, Southampton.

“Two women entered the store and attempted to take items. They were challenged by staff and became verbally aggressive before leaving the store empty handed.”