Tesco have issued an apology after a woman was stopped by security and accused of stealing when attempting to avoid the 5p plastic bag charge.

Khalia Smith, 21, was confronted by Tesco security guards in High Road, Leyton after taking a basket of paid for shopping to her car.

As she was walking she was chased across the car park by two security guards who accused her of stealing.

They grabbed the basket and refused to let go until someone offered their own bag and the basket was returned.

A Tesco spokesman issued an apology for the incident.

He said: "We work hard to give great service and we were sorry to learn of this incident.

"Our store manager is investigating what happened and we've apologised to Ms Smith.

"We want our customers to have the easiest possible shopping trip so of course any customer who wants to can take their basket to their car.

"All we'd ask is that the basket is returned to the store afterwards."