Discounted Nutella causes brawls in French supermarkets

Brawls have broken out in French supermarkets as shoppers scrambled to get their hands on discounted pots of Nutella.

Hysterical scenes were filmed in several supermarkets across the country operated by the Intermarché chain, which offered massive discounts on pots of the popular chocolate and hazelnut spread.

The promotion, launched on Thursday, reduced the price of more than a million 950g pots from 4.70 euros (£4.11) to 1.41 (£1.23).

In one video posted on Twitter, customers can be seen shoving each other and shouting as they try to get as many pots as possible.

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According to Le Parisien newspaper, shoppers started to fight in the northern town of Ostricourt, prompting police to step in.

Ferrero, the company that produces Nutella, said: "The decision for the special offer was taken unilaterally by Intermarché."

The firm added: "We regret the consequences of this operation, which created confusion and disappointment in the consumers' minds."

The discount was meant to last until Saturday but stocks ran out quickly at many supermarkets.

Sales went smoothly in some places, however, with no incident reported in several supermarkets taking part in the promotion.