New Sheffield supermarket pledges investigation after 'water thrown over homeless man'

Budgens, which has only recently opened its doors in the distinctive former Sainsbury’s Local store on London Road, has been blasted by angry customers after one said he saw a worker at the store throw water at the man in a bid to get him to move on.

Posting on Facebook, a resident wrote: “Just saw the new Budgens at the bottom of London Road throw a bucket of water at a homeless man in order to get him to move.

“It's 7pm and about 5° outside. They've only been open a few days but I'm certainly never going there! Tell your friends.”

Another customer posted on Budgens’ Facebook page writing: “The new store on London Road, Sheffield.

“Have only been there a few days and yesterday evening my friend witnessed, in very cold temperatures, a staff throwing a bucket of cold water on a homeless man outside in order to make him move.

“Absolutely vile! No human compassion. Wish Sainsbury's was still there. Will not be entering that shop. What a way to make your presence be known.”

Replying to the message, a Budgens spokesman wrote: “Thank you for making us aware of this. We will forward this internally and make sure this is looked in to immediately.”

In a brief press statement, the firm said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention, we will pick up with the retailer directly.”

Other customers also expressed their anger.

One wrote: “Report them, that’s assault.”

Another said: “This should be reported to the manager of the store and to their head office. It is absolutely disgraceful.”

A third wrote: “That is my local supermarket. I popped in there last night, for a look around. There has been a homeless person sat outside. I'm appalled by the behavior. I know Budgens have replied that they will be looking into it, but I seriously hope that something is done about that! I just am totally despairing of the world.”

The landmark building was formerly a nightclub.