LEFT: Sunil Madhani of Chicago Joe's RIGHT: James Swift of DominosA PIZZA shop owner has called in the police after allegedly suffering at the hands of competitors.

Sunhil Madhani, 35, opened Chicago Joe's in Ermin Street, Stratton, in April, and claims to have been hounded ever since by staff at Domino's Pizza in Old Town.

He says he has already suffered an angina attack as a result of the stress, but is worried it will lead to more serious problems.

Father-of-two Mr Madhani, of Rushey Platt, said: "I had a heart attack last October because of my previous stressful job, which I gave up for the sake of my health. But this is just starting it all off again.

"I don't mind fair competition it's what you expect with so many pizza places around.

"But staff from Domino's in Old Town have started to take it too far. There's a big difference between competition and harassment.

"They started standing outside my shop with their advertising boards and then drove up and down the street for two or three hours in their advertising vans.

"I asked them to go away but they got the video camera out and started filming me.

"I felt so stressed by it all I had an angina attack right by my shop. I feel it is an infringement on my rights.

"I couldn't take it any more so I called the police in. I just want an end to all this stress."

But Domino's franchisee James Swift says he also has cause for complaint.

Mr Swift, who opened another Domino's branch in Taw Hill last week, said: "We have been here for 12 years and have never had problems with any other pizza companies.

"I know Mr Madhani and he can be fiery. In fact he came along and got aggressive with my staff first.

"We had been advertising on the roundabout outside the Moonrakers, which is nowhere near Ermin Street, and the next day I sent out three vans to the town centre, Stratton and Abbey Meads.

"All we were doing was advertising. I have more to worry about than a little pizza place in Stratton.

"I am shocked to hear he has complained. Maybe I should have complained about him.

"I don't care how many pizza places there are around as long as I do okay in my business."

Mr Madhani said he did not act aggressively towards Domino's staff. He said he turned up at the Moonrakers roundabout to hand out leaflets alongside the competition.

Alvina Kumar, spokeswoman for Swindon Police, said: "I can confirm that a complaint of harassment was reported to Swindon police at 7.05pm on Tuesday, June 22.

"We will be making inquiries into the allegation."

Alex Emery