GLASGOW actor John Barrowman has called on US retail giant Target to donate to homeless charities after being "lectured" by staff about buying a gift card for a homeless man.

The 51-year-old was speaking on STV's Good Morning Britain about his experience when buying a shirt and jacket for the man to "make his day a little better".

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But the 51-year-old claimed while shopping at the west Hollywood branch, the cashier claimed John's purchase - which included a $40 gift card - was illegal and against store policy.

The former Desperate Housewives star has now called on chain to make amends by donating to homeless charities.

Speaking on the show to hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ranvir Singh, he said: "They didn’t want me buying anything for the homeless guy so I went off on them, went on social media, I shamed them.

"They did a response but it was a very corporate response and I think they should be doing something like donating to one of the major homeless charities in the area, or across the United States.

"But I was really angry and really upset that someone in a store was trying to tell me how I could spend my money and who I could spend it on."

A video of his complaint has already received more than 12,000 likes on Twitter.

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In the video, he said: "I am disgusted by what I was told. Arrest me for trying to help someone.

"The stupidity behind that rule. I want an explanation. My fans and followers please message #Target regarding this."

In response, Target said: "We absolutely do not have a policy against this type of purchase and are addressing it immediately with the team members involved."