A shop owner filmed “strangling a woman” in Peckham insists he “held her down, not choked her” during an argument over the non-refund policy – as protesters littered the store with posters condemning him criticize

A Peckham shopkeeper accused of “strangling a woman” insists he was merely “holding her in” because of an argument over the non-refund policy.

Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed an altercation between a woman and a man – believed to be Peckham Hair and Cosmetics owner Sohail Sindho, 45 – who appeared to put his hands around her throat after she allegedly tried to stealing from his shop.

Mr Sindho claimed that an argument arose after a woman was refused a refund for some hair care products and tried to take items off the shelves and walk out.

The Met Police told MailOnline a The woman was arrested on suspicion of assault and was later released on bail pending further inquiries. Police said the store employee was not arrested.

Speaking to TV presenter and reporter Antoine Allen, Mr Sindho said: “It’s not suffocation… I held her.”

An angry crowd blocked a busy road in south-east London yesterday and anti-racism campaigners protested against what they described as an “example of everyday male violence against women”. Protesters also plastered the store with notes criticizing the shopkeeper’s behavior.

Protesters have littered the facade of a Peckham store with criticism after a shopkeeper was filmed ‘strangling a woman’

Dramatic footage shows an altercation between a woman and a man, believed to be Peckham Hair and Cosmetics owner Sohail Sindho, 45, who appears to have put his hands around her throat after she allegedly tried to get out stealing from his store

Shop owner Sohail Sindho told MyLondon he “regrets” the incident but claimed the woman was the original perpetrator. He told MyLondon: “The woman came into the store to demand a refund for some hair she had purchased,” but a scuffle ensued when he refused

An angry crowd blocked a busy road in south-east London yesterday and anti-racism campaigners protested against what they described as an “example of everyday male violence against women”. Pictured: Posters placed on the shop front

The video posted on Instagram begins with Mr. Sindho standing behind the woman and they hold onto each other while a person behind the camera threatens to call the police.

The woman then hits him over the head with a plastic shopping basket after he appears to put his hands around her neck.

She then screams “call the police” as she claims he strangled her, but he refuses to let go.

Edilenny Douteo, 18, who shot the video, said the two were “yelling at each other from the start.” she said The mirror: “She asked for a refund and was told it wasn’t possible.”

“So she went to the store and told them if you don’t get my refund I want to get what I’m supposed to get for my money.”

Recalling the incident, Ms. Douteo claimed the worker “pushed” the woman out and then became “aggressive” when she tried to leave the woman.

She claimed he then “strangled her very, very badly” and “dragged her into the store.” Ms. Douteo added that the woman tried to “take him away from her but she couldn’t.”

The witness told the newspaper she saw the entire encounter but only started recording it when things escalated. She said she didn’t think the man would harm the woman because “she’s a woman” and smaller than him.

Angry protesters taped notes to the store criticizing the incident and the woman’s arrest

The video posted on Instagram begins with the man standing behind the woman and them holding onto each other

He then grabs her by the neck as she desperately tries to free herself by hitting him with the shopping basket

This afternoon a large crowd gathered outside the shop in Rye Lane, which had already closed after news of the brawl spread on social media.

Growing anger over the clip on social media led to calls for residents to boycott the store and sparked a planned protest outside the store at 2pm today.

The store closed in advance and a crowd gathered in the area, peacefully protesting what they saw as “an example of everyday male violence against women.”

At first, a small crowd with banners gathered in front of the store, which grew larger as bystanders joined in.

A local resident in a stab vest, who said he was ensuring the security of the event, said he was there during the protest to ensure the safety of community members.

Nearly two hours after the demonstration began, protesters are still on site, covering the street and sidewalk on Rye Lane.

The Met Police issued a statement regarding the initial incident and the protest this afternoon.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local police commander for Southwark, told MailOnline: “We know people will be concerned if a video of an incident in a shop is circulated online.”

“Our officers attended on Monday and continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident.”

Growing anger over the clip on social media led to calls for residents to boycott the store

A large crowd gathered on Rye Lane outside the shop, which had already closed after news of the brawl spread on social media

Growing anger over the clip on social media led to calls for residents to boycott the store and sparked a planned protest outside the store at 2pm today

“The investigation will include reviewing the actions of all those involved. “I would like to thank the people of our local community for remaining calm and giving us the time to conduct a thorough investigation.

“If you have any information that could help us, I would encourage you to get in touch.”

The Met said officers were called to the store in Rye Lane, Peckham, at 1.16pm on Monday to reports that a 31-year-old woman had attempted to steal items and an employee had prevented her from leaving the store. The woman was also charged with assault.

She was arrested on suspicion of assault and was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

The Met Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call 101 quoting CAD 3943/11Sep. Mr Sondhi is not believed to have been arrested as part of the Met’s response to the first incident.