A trade association has issued a statement urging people to be considerate in the way they shop.

Shelves have been left empty across Kent over the past week due to panic buying over coronavirus fears.

In a letter addressed to it's stores, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reassured people 'there is enough for everyone.'

She wrote: "We know that many of you are worried about the spread of the coronavirus.

"We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and you families have the food and essentials you need.

"We are working closely with the Government and our suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to our stores to ensure our shelves are stocked.

"We thank all our colleagues in stores and supply chains who are working day and night to keep the nation fed.

"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. Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home."

The BRC represent stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons, Lidl and Aldi and other big name brands.

Stores across the county have been left bare following the spread of the virus.

Sainsbury's in Northfleet, on Pepperhill, was struck by the effects of panic buying yesterday.

Meghan Frost said: "The shelves were deserted. They were limited of so many products, I have never seen it so bad in my life.

"There was barely any loo roll, baby products, tinned foods, pasta, rice, bread, the freezers were empty and the drinks aisle was empty, it was unbelievable.

"As fast as the shop worker was putting out pasta people were taking it from the shelves."

An Aldi in Strood had long queues 10 minutes before it opened yesterday morning.

Julie Ali, who was at the store, said: "I was up early this morning so I thought I’ll go and get a few bits but I didn’t think it would be like this.

"The panic buying has gone mad, I'm glad Aldi today is limiting some items, but people are going over the top and there isn’t enough for others."

Earlier this month Poundland, Boots, Superdrug, Tesco and Wilkinson's in The Mall shopping centre in Maidstone sold out of hand gel following the first reported case of Covid-19 in the county.

Beth McHale, who was at the Tesco said: "My mum is cooped up at her home with hand sanitiser. She’s 65 and she’s more susceptible to the virus. It does make you a bit nervous."

Another shopper took her grandparents to do their weekly shop at Asda in Gravesend and was meet with a similar outcome.

She posted her concerns on Facebook, saying: "Took my elderly grandparents to do the usual weekly shop and faced with this (empty shelves)"

Her post received nearly 200 comments from people expressing their concerns after seeing the amount of stock left on Friday morning.

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