A MAN chopped off his finger while shopping in a Colchester supermarket.

The customer had entered Tesco, in Greenstead Road, when he went straight to the kitchen utensil aisle and took down a knife and chopping board.

Horrified customers watched on as he then chopped off his finger.

The man then went towards customer services before asking staff for a plaster.

Police and ambulance were called to the scene by Tesco members of staff who tried to help the man.

It happened last Thursday.

A Tesco spokesman praised the colleagues for helping the man and keeping other customers calm.

He said: “Our colleagues in the Colchester Hythe store remained calm, were ready to help and offered first aid during the incident.

“We hope our customer goes on to make a full recovery.”