Tesco buyers flee terrorized while a masked man with "AX" is unleashed

Terrifying images of a masked man pursuing Tesco buyers have emerged, swaying what appears to be an ax.

One can see patrons and staff flee frightened, some abandoning their baskets, while the man breaks through a door and takes it to them.

One of the petrified buyers seems to be holding a baby, while another catches a woman desperately while they run to the shelter.

The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday around 22:14 at the Purley Way store, Croydon, in South London.

The suspect, who seems to cover part of his face with a scarf, is still on the run.

In the clip, we can see him walk calmly towards the group of buyers before engaging in a sprint and move the object over his head.

A man in high visibility – seemingly oblivious to what is happening – watches the shoppers flee before he runs away when the man walks through a door.

A spokesman for the meteorological police said the man had damaged the store and had left before their arrival.

The spokesman added: "Police were called on January 22 at 10:14 pm in a Purley Way supermarket as a result of reports of a man in possession of a hammer.

"The officers attended and were informed that the man had caused damage to the store.

"The suspect left before the arrival of the police.

"A search of the area has taken place but it has not been found and research is underway to find it.

"No arrest at this point.Croydon officers are investigating."