A Best One convenience store in central Bristol came under attack this weekend after a gang of youths allegedly targeted the premises, forcing the retailer and staff to defend themselves as the group attempted to force its way into the shop.
Videos of the incident, widely shared on social media platform X, show around half a dozen youths kicking and punching outside the Best One store on Queen Charlotte Street.
One individual is seen using a National Lottery stand taken from outside the store as a battering ram against the front door.
The footage shows a youth repeatedly spitting at who appears to be Asian-ethnic retailer as he and his staff try to keep the group away from the store entrance.
The conflict began earlier in the evening when the group were reportedly caught stealing from the shop and acting aggressively towards the staff.
The Best-one convenience store on Queen Charlotte Street serves as a neighborhood hub for groceries and late-night essentials
According to Avon & Somerset Police, officers were first called to nearby Baldwin Street at around 6pm on Friday (31 July) following reports of suspected shoplifting and a group of teenagers behaving aggressively towards shop staff.
Police arrived at approximately 6.10pm, but the group had already left the scene.
Officers were called back shortly before 8pm after staff reported that the youths had returned and were attempting to re-enter the store. However, the group fled before officers arrived at about 8.10pm and could not be located.
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said an officer has since spoken with store staff to provide reassurance and confirmed that an investigation is under way to identify those involved.
"Enquiries, including reviewing footage of the incidents, are ongoing," the spokesperson said.
The incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks faced by convenience retailers, many of whom continue to report rising levels of shop theft, abuse and intimidation while protecting their staff and businesses.