A SECURITY firm boss seized bottles of Russian vodka from a supermarket’s shelves as part of a one-man demonstration against the invasion of Ukraine.

Mike Ockelford, 59, from Billericay, was detained by police after he took Russian Standard Vodka from the display at Sainsbury’s in Cricketers Retail Park, Basildon.

And Mr Ockelford, who is managing director of Colt Security Systems in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, said he is praying that the conflict soon comes to an end.

He told the Echo: “I cleared all the shelving of Russian Standard Vodka and put them in a large metal trolley, and had a slight altercation with an obnoxious member staff.

“I was detained, handcuffed, put in the back of a police car and told my crime was causing a public disturbance.

“A floor manager said it had to go back on the shelves, and that it was produced and bottled in the UK.”

Mr Ockelford branded the store “an absolute disgrace to humankind” for opposing his protest.

He also claimed that he considering getting into his car and driving off but ultimately decided to give his details to the assistant manager.

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He added: “I refused at first to give my details to the police but did change my mind. The officer grabbed my armed and warned I wasn’t leaving without doing this.

“Noticing there is a small gathering looking on, I yelled out ‘I am getting arrested for removing Russian vodka from the shelves.’ “The police officer then took my glasses off me and pushed me headfirst into the back of the squad car.

“I am praying the atrocities in Ukraine come to an end and Putin gets what he deserves.”

Mr Ockelford says police later told he was no longer under arrest.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a disturbance at Sainsbury’s in Cricketers Way, Basildon at 11.30am on 2 March. It was reported a man was being abusive to members of staff.

“Officers attended and spoke with those involved and established no offences had taken place.”