Days away from lockdown, panic buying starts again in Milton Keynes

These photos of empty shelves in Tesco at Wolverton were published on the town's Facebook page by a store worker.

She wrote: "This was after today at Tesco. We are still going too be open! Please stop with the bulk buying its so unfair too those that need it and can't always get about."

The post prompted hundreds of comments, mostly from people angry at the panic buyers.

Once again, the most coveted items were toilet rolls, pasta, rice and tinned food.

Tesco has already introduced some buying restrictions on items including including pasta, flour, toilet roll, baby wipes and antibacterial wipes.

In all Tesco Extras, Superstores and Metros, vulnerable and elderly customers are eligible for a priority shopping hour every Wednesday and Sunday between 9am and 10am. NHS, emergency services and care workers have priority access to the store to help them shop.

Morrisons is encouraging customers to book their food shop delivery well in advance due to high demand.

From today, they are offering a 10 per cent discount on all groceries for teachers and school staff.

They are running a next-day doorstep delivery service for customers who are self-isolating or unable to get to a Morrisons store. People who are self-isolating and in need of an emergency grocery delivery need to phone 0345 611 6111.

NHS workers have priority access to a Morrisons store from 6-7am, Monday to Saturday, and 9:30am on Sundays.

Aldi has not yet implemented any buying restrictions.

In a letter to customers,Aldi CEO Giles Hurley wrote: “I would like to reassure you that our stores remain fully stocked and ask that you continue to shop considerately. There is no need to buy more than you usually would.

“We have remained open for our customers throughout the pandemic and will continue to have daily deliveries, often multiple times a day, across all of our products.”

NHS staff and emergency service workers have priority access into an Aldi store with their ID.

Sainsbury's is encouraging people to shop carefully and only buy the food that they need.

They are prioritising elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery slots and giving them priority entry from 8am to 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. NHS staff and care workers still have priority entry from 7:30am to 8am between Monday and Saturday.

A spokesman for the British Retail Consortium said: “We urge consumers to be considerate and shop for food as they would usually during this difficult time.”