A man has been arrested on suspicion of contaminating food using a syringe at three supermarkets in west London, a council has said.

Hammersmith and Fulham council said officers were called just before 8pm after a man was reported to be shouting abuse at people in the street.

The Metropolitan said the man was alleged to have “injected foodstuffs with a number of needles” at a Tesco Express, a Little Waitrose and a Sainsbury’s Local, all on Fulham Palace Road.

The man was taken into police custody accused of trying to cause public harm or anxiety, and the supermarkets were closed.

The affected items are believed to be processed meat and microwaveable products, according to the council. It is not clear how many items were contaminated or with what substance.

The council issued an emergency alert on its social media accounts on Wednesday evening. 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.”