Supermarkets expect to get police support when London goes into lockdown - industry source

British supermarkets are expecting to get police support to deter unruly behaviour when London goes into lockdown to contain the coronavirus outbreak, according to an industry source.

There were rowdy scenes in some supermarkets on Thursday as British shoppers sought to buy basic goods such as bottled water and tinned goods ahead of an expected toughening of measures by the UK government.

Despite assurances from the government there would be no shortages during the outbreak, photos on social media showed long queues and empty shelves across the UK.

One supermarket in Guildford, Surrey, had to open early on Thursday because of massive queues.