Police have launched an investigation after a JD Sports supervisor was targeted with homophobic abuse after telling a customer he could not try on clothes.
The Swindon town centre store’s fitting rooms are currently closed in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus – a company-wide rule imposed by management.
Customers are still able to buy and return products they have purchased, but returned clothing will be placed into quarantine for 72 hours.
On 11 September, a man entered the store in Canal Walk at around 4.05pm before he became abusive and threatening towards staff when asked not to try on clothing.
The suspect used homophobic language and caused the staff member to fear that he may be physically assaulted – getting close to the victim’s face and raising his hand.
“This incident has really affected not only the member of staff but my entire team. They don’t come to work to be assaulted and abused”, store manager Jennifer Gaunt said.
Adding: “We are a family and if one is hurting we are all hurting”.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote crime reference number 54200091537. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
