A supermarket chain has changed its policy on pest control following pressure from campaigners after foxes were killed at a Bexley store.

Sainsbury’s came under pressure from wildlife campaigners and activists after three male foxes were killed at the Crayford Superstore.

There were calls to boycott the chain completely but Sainsbury’s has now responded saying there will be a review into the way the company deals with foxes. 

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said: “We’ve completed a thorough review of how pest control was managed at our Crayford store, which involved the release of two mother foxes and extermination of three males. 

An independent expert has confirmed our contractor correctly followed industry guidelines and in the interests of the safety of our customers and colleagues.

“However, we understand the killing of foxes is a topic close to the heart of many of our customers. Safety will always be our top priority, but we have worked with our contractor to set out new processes. 

“In the extremely rare event there are issues with foxes in the future, we can confirm that we would only use humane deterrents.” 

MORE: Calls to boycott Crayford Sainsbury's after pest control were called to 'shoot' a fox​

A petition, signed by more than 46,500 people, called for a boycott until Sainsbury’s agreed to use humane pest controls to deal with foxes.

The petition reads: “Foxes are not vermin. Even DEFRA does not classify foxes as vermin. They are, in fact, members of ‎the dog family and are nature's natural pest controller as they eat rats, mice, slugs, snails and human litter. Without them we would have a massive rodent infestation.”