Two children have been arrested after an altercation in one Superdrug store that has been widely shared on social media.
A video appears to show a black 15-year-old boy being restrained and handcuffed by two civilian security guards, one kneeling over his legs.
Sussex police said his officers had been summoned to the store on East Street Chichester, West Sussexshortly after 3:30 pm on Wednesday to report that a group of teenagers had become involved in an altercation.
A store employee also reported being assaulted, officers said.
A 15-year-old boy from Worthing and a 16-year-old boy from Chichester were arrested on suspicion of assault.
On social media, some have criticized the actions of the security personnel and the police.
By the time police arrived, three teenagers had been detained by civilian security personnel. Sussex Police said, with two later arrested.
Both boys are in custody and supported by “appropriate adults”.
Police said it is investigating the full circumstances of what happened.
A spokesman for Chichester District Council said: “We have been made aware of an incident that occurred today in the town of Chichester and we would like to clarify that no Chichester District Council staff were involved.”
Superdrug tweeted: “An incident occurred today at our Chichester store between Chichester BID rangers and a group of young men they were monitoring.
“Unfortunately, female staff were also attacked. This is now a police matter and we offer our full assistance to Sussex Police.”