Overview

• The confrontation occurred on September 25 on Above Bar Street outside Café Nero after store staff accused a man of theft.
• Go!Southampton’s BID security pinned the man while a John Lewis worker searched his bag, found nothing, and released him with apologies.
• Bystander Thomas Oswald filmed the incident and posted it to TikTok, where the clip drew significant viewership and scrutiny.
• John Lewis said it was very concerned and is urgently investigating, and Go!Southampton said its service partner Argenbright Security Europe Limited is conducting a thorough review.
• No arrests or charges have been reported, and witnesses criticised the force used, saying the man appeared to be in his 60s.