THE United Kingdom's supermarkets have issued a joint statement urging customers to be "considerate" in the way they shop following surges of stock piling and panic shopping due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been many reports this week of stores running out of items, such as pasta, bread and toilet roll.

The statement, which has been released by Sainsbury's, Co-op, Lidl, Tesco, Aldi, Waitrose, M&S, Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado and Costcutter, said "there is enough for everyone if we all work together".

Employees in stores and on supply chains are working day and night to keep the nation fed, the statement said.

However, the supermarkets and delivery companies added that the need the general public's help to.

They called for everyone to work together and warned that buying more than is needed could mean others will be left without.

The statement from the supermarkets in full is below

To our customers,

We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). 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. 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. Those of us with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity to help you get the products you need when you need them

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

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

We are doing all we can rise rise to this challenge. Serving you and keep you and everyone who works with us safe will always be our priority.