An internal investigation has been launched following an incident involving a teenage customer and member of staff at a Rainham supermarket.

It is believed a disagreement took place at the Tesco Metro store in Rainham shopping precinct on Saturday night.

It was witnessed by a shopper who said it involved a male employee and a boy, aged about 13.

The dad, who did not wish to be named, is a St John Ambulance trained first-aider and went to the teenager’s assistance.

The man, from Rainham, had been shopping with his wife when the incident occurred at about 9.30pm.

He said: “ There were quite a few people in the store at the time who would have seen what happened.”

It’s believed relatives arrived at the centre shortly afterwards.

A spokesman for Tesco, said: “We can confirm that an incident took place at our Rainham Metro on Saturday evening and we are currently undertaking an internal investigation.”

The spokesman said the company would not be commenting further at this stage.