An appalled shopper filmed the events as they unfolded. The video footage shows that customers milling around were repeatedly asked to make room for staff who were shelving the meat.

However, once the staff had finished stocking the reduced price area, customers then descended on it, jostling against one another and grabbing meat products to take to the till.

No injuried were reported after the event.

Commenting on the incident, a Tesco spokesperson said, “The safety of our customers and colleagues is of paramount importance to us. The manager of the store has conducted a thorough investigation and will take steps to prevent a similar situation happening again. We are continually trying to improve the way we deal with surplus food, this includes making better reductions earlier in the day to make it easier for customers and colleagues in the evening."

Watch the near riot below: