WOOLWICH Tesco and the council building were evacuated this afternoon after a man claimed he had a bomb.

Police and fire crews were called to the mammoth store beside General Gordon Square at around 3pm.

It followed an incident between a customer and member of staff, during which it is believed a member of the public claimed to have a bomb in his car.

A spokesman for the Met Police said officers later stopped a vehicle in Thomas Street and arrested a man on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat.

It is understood that workers at the Woolwich Centre and supermarket have now been allowed back into the building.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident and we are helping police with their enquiries.”

- Did you see what happened? Call News Shopper on 01689 885714 or email mchandler@london.newsquest.co.uk