Desperate Britons have been spotted in huge queues outside stores as panic-buying continues amid the coronavirus crisis.
Shoppers were seen in winding lines at supermarkets as they tried to get their hands on toilet roll, hand sanitiser and tinned goods.
Crowds gathered on paths beside Sainsbury’s in Ladbroke Grove and Savers in Wood Green, both London, as virus cases in the UK surged to 820.
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Shoppers were seen in winding lines at supermarkets (pictured, Savers in Wod Green, London) as they tried to get their hands on toilet roll, hand sanitiser and tinned goods
Panic-buying Britons are seen in a London Tesco this morning stockpiling on toilet roll and vital items
Shoppers stand in queues by the tills in Tesco Extra in Surrey Quays, south east London
Crowds gathered on paths beside Sainsbury’s in Ladbroke Grove and Savers in Wood Green (pictured), both London, as the threat of a lockdown looms
Another bizarre picture shows a man dressed in a combat-style hazmat suit carrying 27 toilet rolls in Bath.
Food retailers have urged customers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves are left stripped of goods.
British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers asking everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.
It comes as scores of shoppers have been panic-buying essentials, including toilet paper, as fears intensify over the spread of Covid-19.
Another bizarre picture shows a man dressed in a combat-style hazmat suit carrying 27 toilet rolls in Bath
British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers asking everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country. Pictured: Empty shelves in London
Food retailers have urged customers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves are left stripped of goods. Pictured: Wood Green’s Savers
Shoppers look miserable as they stand in line at Tesco Extra in Surrey Quays on Saturday morning
Retailers are currently working ’round the clock’ to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.
The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.
It said: ‘We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added. Pictured: A Sainsbury’s in London
Shoppers wait in line for a supermarket to open its doors at Tesco in London on Saturday
A man stands in front of empty aisles as he tries to stock up amid panic-buying problems across the country
‘We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.’
The letter added: ‘But we need your help too. We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.
‘We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.
‘There is enough for everyone if we all work together. Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.
Surrey Quays’ Tesco Extra saw huge at the tills as people continued to panic buy in south east London
People are rushing to superstores (pictured, Sainsbury’s in London) to grab goods before the coronavirus peaks
‘Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home.’
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added.
And outlets with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity.
Speaking on behalf of the retailers, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible.
‘In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need.’