John Lewis 'appalled' after security guard put teenager in headlock and dragged him from store

A John Lewis security guard has lost his job after a video emerged of him putting a teenager in a headlock.
A John Lewis security guard has lost his job after a video emerged of him putting a teenager in a headlock.A John Lewis security guard has lost his job after a video emerged of him putting a teenager in a headlock.
A John Lewis security guard has lost his job after a video emerged of him putting a teenager in a headlock.

Kyle Spencer, 19, was grabbed by the neck and violently dragged out of the John Lewis in Westgate, Oxford.

New dad Kyle, was out shopping for baby clothes for the arrival of his firstborn child, Emilia, on August 5, when he said he was "assaulted" by the security guard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was visiting the store at around 4pm with his two sisters, one who filmed the incident on her phone.

New dad Kyle, was out shopping for baby clothes for the arrival of his firstborn child, Emilia, on August 5, when he said he was "assaulted" by the security guard. Picture: SWNSNew dad Kyle, was out shopping for baby clothes for the arrival of his firstborn child, Emilia, on August 5, when he said he was "assaulted" by the security guard. Picture: SWNS
New dad Kyle, was out shopping for baby clothes for the arrival of his firstborn child, Emilia, on August 5, when he said he was "assaulted" by the security guard. Picture: SWNS

The clip shows the guard grab Kyle, from Oxford, by the neck and wrestle him out of the store.

The family claim the scuffle started after Kyle's 12-year-old sister pressed a button on a speaker causing loud music to play.

Security guards were then called by store workers to investigate reports of disruptive behaviour, and Kyle was hauled out of the shop.

The security guard is no longer employed by John Lewis and wrote an apology email to Kyle.

"I physically couldn't breathe," Kyle said.

"It was absolutely terrifying.

Read More
'Disgraceful' drunk wedding guest groped a woman and headbutted a teenager

"He had my neck so tight that I thought I was going to die.

"For a good week or so after it happened I was scared to go into town again.

"My sisters were in absolute distress. No child should have to see their big brother get attacked like that.

"He was full of anger. I thought he would never let go."

Kyle says his sister turned the music on by accident and panicked having caused a disruption.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The group were approached by the security guard, who asked the three of them to leave the store, Kyle said.

But Kyle claims the guard became aggressive when he asked to see his ID badge.

He asked to see some form of identification because the guard, dressed in shorts and a polo shirt, "didn't look like" someone who worked for John Lewis.

Kyle said: "To me he just looked like a normal person in normal clothes.

"He refused to show me his badge and started to get angry about it. I didn't try to cause an argument or try to be awkward.

"He asked us to leave but when we were talking he pushed me twice."

Video footage then shows the guard spin Kyle around and grab him by the neck.

Kyle said he tried to defend himself by resisting the "heavy-handed" guards attempt to grapple with him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After dragging Kyle out of the store the guard continues to hold Kyle by the neck.

His sisters can be heard screaming in distress as their brother is taken to the ground.

Kyle reported the incident to Thames Valley Police claiming assault.

An investigation was launched but no action was taken against the guard.

Kyle said he went to A&E later that night with neck pain and bruised ribs.

He claims doctors diagnosed him with a sprain and whiplash.

Following the closure of the police investigation Kyle reported the incident to John Lewis directly, on August 22.

He received a letter of apology from the guard the next day, in which it is claimed Kyle used abusive and threatening language, which he denies.

John Lewis say they are "appalled" by the incident and have confirmed the guard no longer works for the company.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A John Lewis spokesperson said: "We were shocked and appalled to hear of this incident in our Oxford shop and have apologised to the customer.

"This is not what we would expect from anyone who works for us and we can confirm that this individual is no longer employed by John Lewis & Partners.

"We've subsequently conducted an internal investigation and supported the Police with their enquiries."

Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Thames Valley Police received a report of an assault which took place in Queen Street, Oxford at around 4pm on August 5."

"No arrests have been made. A 52-year-old man received an adult restorative disposal in relation to this incident."