Closed-circuit television footage has captured the confronting moment a young customer threw the first punch at a security guard, sparking a wild brawl that stunned onlookers in a Melbourne supermarket.
A customer wearing a hooded jumper, shorts and a large backpack is observed processing his items at a Coles self-checkout in Prahran, before being approached by a security officer.
Within seconds of the pair being next to each other, the customer erupts and punches the security guard in the face before copping a blow in return.
The pair then break out into a wrestle, with the security officer hunched over the young man as they both exchange punches into each other‘s bodies.
The video, obtained by 7 News Melbourne, then captures shocked shoppers scrambling out of the way as the men crash into one of the self-serve registers.
About twenty seconds into the scuffle, the security guard takes control by lifting the customer – who is still wearing his backpack – and slamming him into the ground.
That blow doesn’t hinder the young man, who starts swiping at the guard’s legs before regaining his footing – only to be slapped in the face.
Eventually the untamed confrontation ends with the security guard throwing the man into a checkout kiosk, before a manager rushes out to intervene.
The entire altercation appears to have taken just under a minute, as a mix of scared and frustrated shoppers looked on.
According to 7 News Melbourne, the security guard involved in the incident works for MA Services Group – a company which provides security, cleaning and facilities amenities.
The company prides itself on its diversity and “significant team of frontline personnel”, with its Victorian branch providing its services to Melburnians for 11 years.
News.com.au has contacted MA Services Victoria for comment.
It’s understood the incident unfolded in May, with Coles telling the broadcaster the ordeal was reported and reviewed immediately with its security service provider.
“Coles is satisfied with the outcomes of that review,” a spokesperson told 7 News.
News.com.au has also contacted Coles for comment.
The incident follows a string of violent altercations that have broken out at shopping centres in recent weeks.
Footage has recently been shared to TikTok showing a horrific scuffle between customers at a Woolworths deli in New South Wales.
A short clip of the dispute shows a man shoving another male customer’s head into the meat counter before punching him multiple times.
The video shows dozens of helpless shoppers and Woolies workers watching on as the men duke it out near the see-through display counters.
Woolworths confirmed they were aware of the incident and it has been reported to police.
Another wild fracas broke out earlier this month on June 1 at another NSW Woolworths store, where a mum was captured handing over her baby to an onlooker before getting into a fight with two other women.
The incident resulted in up to 10 customers exchanging colourful language, with video capturing them also throwing grocery items and running between shopping aisles.
Police were called to the incident which took place at the store located on Peel St, and believe a verbal argument occurred prior to the physical fight breaking out.
On this occasion a Woolworths spokesperson said it was offering support to staff involved.