Tesco shut its 24-hour New Malden store following a “traveller incursion” as police were called to a report of attempted criminal damage.

The supermarket, in Beverley Way, was closed at 10pm that day as a “safety precaution” following an undisclosed incident.

While Tesco didn’t elaborate on the exact circumstances, reports online did suggest travellers had been on or near to the site itself.

One social media user on Twitter said: “What is going on @Tesco New Malden? Is the store open or closed? And are the travellers still in residence?”

Tesco replied to the tweet and didn’t have a time for when the supermarket would be reopened.

Another social media user said it had been closed due to a “traveller incursion that has resulted in a police response”, however, there were no further details.

At the time, a Tesco spokesman said: “Following an incident at our New Malden Extra store, we have made the decision to close the store at 10pm this evening as a safety precaution.

“The store will then reopen at 6am tomorrow morning and continue to serve customers as normal.

“The incident has been reported to the police and we are supporting them with their investigation.

“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.”

The New Malden Extra is currently open at the time of publishing following the incident.

Scotland Yard later confirmed they were called to a report of attempted criminal damage shortly after 6.30pm outside a supermarket on March 20.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Local officers attended the scene to find a number of caravans, however, there was no criminal damage and no offences substantiated.”