A man has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of contaminating food with a syringe at three supermarkets in West London.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council said officers were called at just before 8pm after a man was reported to be shouting abuse at people in the street. He is alleged to have visited three supermarkets, including Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s, in Fulham Palace Road, and injected foodstuffs using a number of needles.

Man arrested after unknown substance was injected into food at several London supermarkets

The man has been taken into police custody accused of trying to cause public harm or anxiety.

The supermarkets have been closed with the affected items believed to be processed meat and microwaveable products, according to the council.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council issued an ’emergency alert’ notice on its social media accounts on Wednesday evening.

Man arrested after unknown substance was injected into food at several London supermarkets

It said: ‘Members of the public are advised as a precaution to dispose of any food items bought from these supermarkets this evening.

‘H&F Council’s Environmental Health team are now working with the supermarket branches affected.’