Footage of the fatal beating at a Carrefour supermarket were published on social media on.

The man was identified in local media by his father as 40 year old Joao Alberto Severa Freytas.

Protesters smashed windows and delivery vehicles in the supermarkets car park, a Reuters witness or police firing tear gas at the protesters.

The're killing occurred on Thursday, allegedly after a store employee called security following threats by the man.

News off the death has sparked widespread protests across Brazil, with news websites initially reporting the cause of death could be a fixation.

In a statement, Carrefour's local unit said it deeply regretted what it called a brutal death and said it immediately took steps to ensure those responsible were legally punished.

It also said it would terminate the contract with the security firm fired the employee in charge of the store at the time of the incident and closed the store is a mark of respect.

Carrefour CEO and chairman Alexandre Bompard posted it on Twitter quote.

These measures do not go far enough.

My values and the values off Carrefour do not allow for racism and violence.