STAFF at Tesco’s 24-hour store in Musselburgh have raised concerns for their safety after police took nearly two hours to respond to an emergency call, it has been claimed.

Ward councillor Fraser McAllister said there had been disbelief at the store over the length of time officers had taken to get there after they were called to help deal with a violent customer.

He said questions had to be asked about the delay, adding it was not the first time calls for help had received a slow response.

He said: “The night manager said he called police at 2am last Friday after being confronted by a violent and threatening customer but it was one hour and 40 minutes before any officer arrived.

“He said he was shocked by the delay and lack of urgency; on a previous occasion, staff waited for two hours for police to attend. It is really not good enough.”

Mr McAllister raised the issue at a meeting of Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council on Tuesday.

Police said they would look into the claim.