‘Everything is gone’: Disabled mum-of-five left without toilet roll and bread after panic buying in Sheffield

The mum, who wished to stay anonymous, says she and her husband are struggling to get hold of toilet roll, bread and other necessities as panic-buyers strip supermarket shelves.

Shopping is already a task for the family, who have a seven-year-old son who had a brain tumour and epilepsy.

The mum said: “Everyone is rushing out when the shops open at 6am, and by the time my husband and I have got the kids ready, everything is gone.

“If those who are buying in bulk could just think about other people, and those with disabilities who are struggling to get what they need.

“Because supermarkets are limiting items, people are getting round it.

“I watched as three people got out of one car, and each took a trolley into the store, so they could take more.

“We tried to do an online shop and as I was checking out, my delivery slot was taken, so we are struggling for toilet roll, frozen food, and even flour to make our own bread.”

A video, taken this morning at Tesco at Spital Hill shows the scale of the problem, with shoppers waiting for the doors to open at 6am.

The supermarket, which is normally open 24 hours a day, is closing overnight during the coronavirus pandemic to re-stock shelves, fridges and freezers.