Sainsbury's strips kosher food from its shelves over fear of attacks by anti-Israeli protesters picketing as Gaza demonstrators run amok in Tesco branch

The products were removed from shelves (left) at a Sainsbury's Local branch in Holborn, central London (inset), which was being picketed by protesters who objected to it stocking Israeli goods. A store spokesman insisted the decision was a pragmatic one to stop food being damaged but one shopper claimed a staff member told him: 'We support Free Gaza'. Outrage followed online as people accused decision of being anti-Semitic, as some of the goods removed were from Britain and Poland, not just Israel. The incident yesterday came as protesters threw food and attacked police in a Birmingham branch of Tesco (right) when a demonstration outside got out of hand.