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'Despicable' shoppers caught on camera licking their hands and wiping them on food and fridge doors

Two men were caught licking their hands and wiping them over produce in a supermarket. (PA)
Two men were caught licking their hands and wiping them over produce in a supermarket. (PA)

Police have arrested two people after CCTV captured two men licking their hands in a supermarket and wiping them over meat, fresh produce and fridge handles.

The images were released by police of the shoppers, who entered the Sainsbury's store in Lancaster Road, Morecambe, Lancashire, at about 1.45pm on Saturday.

Amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the store was thoroughly disinfected and the food had to be destroyed, said police.

Launching the appeal on Wednesday, Inspector James Martin, of Lancashire Police, said the actions of the pair was “utterly despicable”.

He added: "That anyone could think this sort of behaviour is appropriate or amusing even in normal times is beyond me, but at this time of crisis when many people have been faced with empty shelves in some shops is flabbergasting.”

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Two men were arrested in Morecambe later on Wednesday, police said.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries into the incident continue.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped with the appeal. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as always."

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