11 UK Tesco stores closed in security alert

At least 11 Tesco supermarkets across the UK were closed by police today in a safety alert.

Police refused to give details, although one force said the move was “a precaution”.

Officers from Hertfordshire in England, where the firm has its headquarters, said no one had been hurt.

They said the closures affected stores in Lancashire, Suffolk, Dyfed Powys in Wales, Fife in Scotland, Leicestershire, Humberside, West Mercia, West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Strathclyde and London.

A Hertfordshire police spokeswoman said: "Police are investigating a series of incidents in a number of locations across the country involving Tesco stores. These stores have been temporarily closed as a precaution for public safety."

A Tesco spokeswoman said: “Tesco is working with the police following a series of incidents. Police are investigating and so we are unable to comment further.”

She added: “As always, at all times customer welfare is our priority.”