Who can resist a bargain, though? (Archive picture: Getty)

Bargain hunting turned violent at a Sainsbury’s branch when two shoppers came to blows over reduced cuts of meat.

The food had been marked down as it was nearing its sell-by date, and two women spotted it at around the same time.

Detectives think the argument began when one muttered ‘excuse me’ and reached over to pick up some meat, including sausages.

But the other woman allegedly objected as she thought she was there first, and they began grappling in the aisle.


Children started to cry as they watched the two pull each other’s hair, scream, punch and kick each other as staff rushed to try and pull them apart.

The shop in Torquay (Picture: Google)

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It all took place in the refrigerated meat aisle at the supermarket in The Willows shopping precinct, Torquay, Devon last week.

One witness said: ‘It was appalling, like savages. No thought for staff or other families. When I left, one of them was effing and blinding to the manager.

‘It was unbelievable. Two women fighting over a piece of meat that had been reduced in Sainsbury’s.’

Devon and Cornwall Police say they are investigating reports a man was also involved. A spokesman said: ‘A female shopper was assaulted by a man and a woman inside the store. The victim sustained a split lip.’

They launched an appeal today to find a woman they want to speak to with long dark hair, wearing a green coat and wellies who was pushing a pram. The man with her was wearing a farmer-style cap, a jacket and jeans and black trainers with red bottoms.

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said “We can confirm there was an incident in our Torquay store. The police were called and we are helping them with their enquiries.’