Video footage shows wild confrontation between Coles security guard and suspected shoplifter

A Coles security guard claims he has been fired for manhandling a suspected shoplifter in Melbourne.

The altercation occurred on January 27 outside a Coles store off Chapel Street, in Prahran.

Footage shows the guard throwing punches and grabbing at the suspected shoplifter, while bystanders looked on and in some cases tried to intervene.

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"Oi! You can't hit him," bystanders yelled at the guard. "You can't do that! Just leave him alone! Oi!"

"You're gonna lose your f---ing job."

A person was heard shouting racial slurs at the guard, and was arrested shortly after by police.

The security guard's employer, MA Services, would not confirm what action it took following the incident.

Representatives from Coles also declined to comment, referring inquiries to the police.

The supermarket is now employing a new guard from the same security company.

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