SHOPPERS watched in horror as a gang burst into a Hampshire supermarket and beat up two youths.

Goods were scattered as the attackers pounced on the teenagers near the entrance of the giant store as families stocked up for the festive season.

Police were called to break up the brawl as shocked customers looked on.

It is thought that the fight may have spilled over from the McDonald’s restaurant within Asda in Totton.

One shopper, who saw the incident unfold in the busy store in Maynard Road, in Totton, said: “I was out shopping at Asda with my little boy and I saw these two lads minding their own business before a group of guys came in.

“Suddenly there were police everywhere; there must have been about 40 of them. He added: “It was horrendous, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Hampshire police is today appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened about 2pm on Christmas Eve.

They say officers were called to the store following reports of a fight where weapons were used.

Upon arrival they said they found a 19-year-old man from Totton with an injury to his arm.

Detective Constable Mark Bradley said: “Asda and McDonald’s would have been very busy at this time on Christmas Eve.

“Were you there? Did you see a group of men fighting? Did you film anything on your phone which could assist our investigation?”

An Asda spokesman said: “Our colleagues alerted the police to the incident and we continue to help them with their investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Bradley at Lyndhurst CID on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Four of them aged between 18 and 25 face charges ranging from assault to possessing an offensive weapon.

They are due to appear before Southampton magistrates in the new year.

A 17-year-old youth was released with no further action.