A newsagent was filmed fighting off potential shoplifters on social media, on the same day videos promoting a “mass shoplifting” event on London’s Oxford Street went viral on TikTok.

Social media footage reposted by the BBC this month showed a staff member from Dodo Food & Wine in Soho, Central London, attempting to fight off a gang of youths causing trouble outside the store. Better Retailing understands staff successfully prevented any issues and the Metropolitan Police were vigilant in speaking to the store’s owner to track down the offenders.

The footage, which has since been deleted, was posted on social media around the same time as TikTok posts encouraging other users to take part in a mass shoplifting event at nearby Oxford Street on 9 August. Videos showed gangs charging through the busy shopping street, sparking fears of looting.

Police clashed with youths as several arrests were made on the day, with businesses on the street being forced to close.

Last month, a video of social media prankster Mizzy wrecking a newsagent in London went viral. Although the video turned out to be a hoax, the popularity of the post sparked fears it would encourage copycat incidents in other shops.

Read more retail crime news