Photos have emerged of bare shelves at a superstore as customers stockpiled essentials.

Shelves at Tesco Extra in Gillingham were bare this morning after people stocked up on provisions including hand wash and pasta.

It comes as the government today reassured the public there will not be any issues with food supplies across the UK.

Speaking on the BBC's Question Time last night, health secretary Matt Hancock said: "The government has supplies of the key things that are needed. And within the food supply, we are absolutely confident that there won't be a problem there."

A KentOnline reader sent in pictures showing bare shelves which are usually full.

Customers have been visiting the Courteney Road store to bulk buy but are being told there is no sanitising gel.

They were also being advised to get to the store as early as possible to ensure they could buy items they wanted.

However, it is understood some stores may soon introduce a two item per person rule.

Tesco did not comment on the stock level in its stores.

It also advised it was up to individual stores to set their own rules on purchasing items.

Many stores across Kent have reported bulk buying amid fears of the spread of coronavirus.

But Mr Hancock said there is "absolutely no need" for people to stock up excessively on items.

He added the government is working with supermarkets to ensure anyone currently in self-isolation – or forced to self-isolate in future – will be able to get food and supplies needed.

Earlier this week, Kent's first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Maidstone.

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