SHOPPERS watched in horror as a punch-up in the aisles of Ashburton’s Co-op store sent stock flying.

Witnesses reported groceries were thrown and shelves overturned during the incident on Tuesday evening.

Police were called to reports of an ‘angry, drunken shopper’ who was throwing items around after staff refused to serve him alcohol.

Police confirmed a man went into the store and was refused alcohol as he was deemed to be in drink.

A spokesman said it was alleged he threw items off the shelves.

A 25-year-old man from Ashburton was in custody on suspicion of criminal damage, common assault and possession of cannabis.