Queues of shoppers have been forming this afternoon ahead of the prime minister's press conference. 

Lidl on Worting Road is currently operating at a one-in-one-out policy, according to shoppers.

While shoppers in Morrisons have described busy scenes and long queues as people appear to be stocking up on items.

One woman said: “I needed a few essential bits this afternoon, but when I walked past Lidl by the Leisure Park I saw a queue the length of the car park.

"There was a security guy on the door letting people in - one in one out. People seemed confused as to why, but the store seemed jam-packed and I spotted quite a lot of people with multipacks of toilet paper in their trolleys as they left. Decided I’d stick to the little Co-op on my road. Here we go again!”

While another shopper, who was at Morrisons earlier today, said it was "manic".

He said: "[I would describe it as] manic. People pushing past, no organisation from staff.

"There is no loo roll left. Lots of pasta and rice had been taken from the shelves."

It comes as the government previously warned the public against stockpiling.

A spokesman said the UK has a “highly resilient food chain”, while supermarkets insisted that the supply chain has been strengthened since March to deal with any possible shortages.

Supermarkets previously spoke out there being no need for shoppers to stock up, saying there was ample supplies available.

Speaking last month, a spokesman for Iceland said: “We regularly review whether we need to restrict purchases of any products to ensure that these are available to as many customers as possible. 

“There are currently no restrictions in place and the need for these should be avoided if people resist the urge to stockpile.”