Burnt to a crisp

FIRE alarms at one of Worthing's biggest supermarkets failed when a packet of crisps was set alight, sending out thick, acrid smoke.

A manager and security guard at Tesco in West Durrington tried to put out the fire using an extinguisher, before customers were told to drop their shopping and file out the back door.

One member of staff took herself to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

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Customer Norman Dawkins said: "It was just before 5pm on Monday night and I was getting my groceries. All of a sudden the place filled with thick smoke. Everyone was told to leave their baskets and their trolleys and go out the back doors.

"I heard one of the security staff talking about what had happened and it was then that they mentioned the crisps. I thought the extra hot chillis had ignited.The staff were really good and led everyone out the back doors."

Another customer said: "Something was put in the crisp multi-pack and it burned the crisps and burned the plastic they were placed on. For some reason the smoke alarms didn't go off. The whole shop started filling with this thick, acrid smoke. When plastic burns it produces toxic smoke. There were babies in the shop and elderly people as well. People were coughing and spluttering for around 10 minutes before they were led out of the back door. It was very unpleasant."

A spokeswoman for Tesco said the fire alarms were being replaced.She said: "The tolerance to smoke was lower than it should have been."

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Jill Pedersen, police spokeswoman, added: "Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished so no one was hurt and damage was minimal, but potentially this irresponsible behaviour is life endangering."

Anyone with information about who was responsible should call police on 0845 6070999.

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