Supermarket chain Aldi removed over 100,000 confectionery products from its shelves last night, after celebrity banana man Bananaman choked to death outside one of their stores.

The fruit based superhero – either 12 or 43 whichever way you look at it – is believed to have eaten a “Bananamania” chocolate bar at around 3pm yesterday afternoon, after finding the Guildford branch sold out of bananas.

Shortly afterwards he collapsed in the car park. Paramedics struggled to save him, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at The Royal Surrey County Hospital.

An eyewitness said: “It was horrific. Eric’s tone was always high-pitched, almost as if it was a much older man doing a sort of a childish voice, but even so the screeching was upsetting.”

The cocksure but cheeky crime-fighter is thought to have suffered a fatal allergic reaction to an ingredient within the chocolate.

Neighbour Jean Hubris, 68, said: “Everybody knew that when Eric ate a banana he became Bananaman, but I don’t think many folk knew about his nut allergy.”

Amateur footage of the incident has revealed what happened in the moments before his death. In the film Eric poses for photographs with fans, who urge him to change into his alter-ego. He jokes with passers by to stand back as he tucks into the 49p chocolate treat.

Moments later, he begins his metamorphosis, but his trademark banana peel cape does not emerge. Instead, giant pecans appear sprout around his groin.

Onlooker Bob Pube said: “He started to writhe around and mewl. Eventually his sobs died down to a gurgle. He just about managed to mouth ‘Bye fans’. Then his face burst.

“It came out really well on my new phone actually, I’m chuffed. It’s decent – 14 megapixels”

Aldi’s labeling policy was called into question last night. At a press conference, spokeswoman Liz Shin read the following statement:

“Aldi’s labeling of nut products is, and always has been, clear and explicit. We regret deeply that on this occasion the warnings were not heeded, but to be honest we’ve all seen the cartoon, and Eric seemed to lack much in the way of basic common sense”, said Miss Shin, before launching into the David Essex hit “Hold Me Close” as journalists filed out nervously.

General Blighty said last night: “I’m genuinely pleased he’s dead.”