STORE GUARD ‘ATTACKED FOR ASKING SHOPPERS TO WEAR MASKS’

3 men arrested on suspicion of affray:

THREE men have been arrested, after a Tesco security guard was attacked allegedly for asking people to put their facemasks on.

Police have asked anybody with information about the incident, which happened at about 5.15pm on Thursday at the superstore in Porthmadog, on the town’s High Street, to contact them.

A North Wales Police (NWP) spokeswoman said: “At around 5.15pm yesterday (26/8) we were made aware of an incident at a Tesco store on High Street, Porthmadog.

“It was reported a security guard had been assaulted by three holiday makers who allegedly became verbally and physically abusive after being asked to put on a face mask to enter the store, in line with the latest Welsh Government rules. “Three males were later arrested on suspicion of affray and are currently in police custody. “Anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information, is asked to contact officers on 101, or via the website, quoting reference Z125927.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We have assisted police with their inquiries and are supporting a member of our security team following an incident at our Porthmadog store yesterday evening.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service have confirmed they were not called to the store.

Earlier this year it was reported there were concerns shop staff could face abuse when coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Current Welsh Government coronavirus rules require masks to be worn in indoor settings such as shops in Wales, unless medically exempt.