Shop speaks after customer 'chopped toe off with bolt cutters and ate it' in Sheffield store

Yesterday we reported accounts from shoppers who watched in horror as a man cut of his toe and started eating it in a Sheffield branch of Wilkinson's on Sunday.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that a man was taken from the scene with 'foot injuries'.

One eye witness said: "A man went into Wilkinson's Haymarket, went upstairs to the electrical aisle, picked up some bolt cutters, chopped his big toe off and stood eating it.

"The aisle was taped off until police and forensics went."

Wilkinson's could not be reached for a comment at the time, but today the company has confirmed a man 'caused self-injury' in the store.

A spokesperson for Wilko said, “We thank our team members for their prompt action in dealing with a difficult situation and we have offered them support where needed. The area was cordoned off to safeguard our customers in the store and the police gave help and advice. The area affected has been thoroughly cleaned and we are trading normally again”.

After appearing on the Star website, the story went global yesterday afternoon.

A police spokesman said: "Emergency services were called to a shop in Haymarket, Sheffield, at around 11.10am on Sunday October 30 following reports of concern for a man inside the premises.

"Upon officer arrival, the man was taken to hospital with injuries to his foot, where he remains.

"There are not believed to be any other parties involved. The incident is not being investigated as a crime."