McDonald's has asked a security company to investigate after video footage surfaced of bouncers appearing to push people over outside one of its Leeds restaurants.
The footage, posted on TikTok yesterday (March 15), shows an incident outside Albion Street McDonalds in Leeds city centre. Two girls are shown in heated conversation with two bouncers, before one of the bouncers appears to lash out with a hand as the girls walk away.
The incident escalates from there, with two boys also getting involved in an argument with the bouncers. The girl who posted the footage on TikTok said her friend had been told to leave because she had food in the queue for the McDonalds.
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It's alleged when another girl challenged this, one of the bouncer psushed them and became "verbally aggressive", calling the girls names. The video poster said the boys shown in the video, who were strangers, stepped in to defend them.
A second piece of footage shows a bouncer appearing to push some of the group over with enough force they hit the floor. Screaming can be heard in the video as one of the boys is pushed and falls over one of the girls.
In the caption, the person who posted the video said: "Multiple times they tried to stop [the bouncer] and he continued to be physically aggressive even when no one attempted to lay their hands on him. Regardless of the level of alcohol, he should not get away with this.
"I dread to think what would have happened if me and my friend were on our own and these guys hadn’t stepped in. Another representation of the stuff bouncers get away with continuously and women dealing with the repercussions."
A McDonald's spokesperson said: "The safety and security of our people and customers is our absolute priority, and we have requested that the security company that employ the security guards fully investigate the incident. We understand that the video clip in question shows only a small portion of a protracted incident.”
West Yorkshire Police have also confirmed they are aware of the footage and have launched an investigation. A spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information following an assault in Leeds city centre. The incident occurred outside McDonald’s in St Johns Centre at about 4am on Wednesday, March 15.
"It was not reported to police at the time, but footage has been obtained by officers and is being investigated. Neighbourhood officers are making enquiries with staff at the restaurant and urging the members of the public involved in this matter to contact the police, so that it can be investigated fully."
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