A DISHEARTENED customer was shocked to discover his bag of Liquorice Allsorts was missing a number of staple sweets.

Jeffrey Holt, from Barrow, purchased a bag of the assorted liquorice confectionery on Sunday, unaware the British favourite would be lacking in some of its principal items.

He said: "I was feeling a little adventurous that day and decided to get a bag of Liquorice Allsorts. I needed a pick-me-up.

"I'd originally bought them for a journey I was taking on Monday but decided to crack them open the day before.

"After having one, I instantly realised something was wrong. There was no coconut rolls, none of the coloured sandwiches, four Bertie Bassetts and 17 liquorice sticks.

"I couldn't believe it. I shook the bag and couldn't believe there wasn't any more. I thought maybe Maynards had had a major fail in quality control for this to slip through the cracks."

The 39-year-old dad-of-three took to social media to share his shock, tagging Liquorice Allsorts' company Maynards Bassetts as well as Barrow Police.

The force replied with some 'punny' advice, writing: "Jeff, sorry to hear this, we’ve given it all sorts of thought and agree you need supporting. Yes you candy make a complaint. Please don’t jump the gum and donut give up on justice."

A spokesman for Maynards Bassetts said: “We take great care in trying to ensure a good selection within every pack of Maynards Bassetts Liquorice Allsorts. In 1899 when accident-prone Salesman Charlie Thompson tripped up he mixed up all the different sweets he was carrying creating the weird and wonderful mix of sweets that we know and love today. We hold this heritage close to our hearts. Accordingly, the random selection does mean that contents may vary.

"Our consumers' views are extremely important to us so we appreciate any feedback and all comments are duly noted for continuous improvement purposes.”