TOILET roll may once again be in short supply as people across East Lancashire stock-up amidst fears of a second wave of coronavirus.

Pictures uploaded to social media show almost empty shelves along the toilet roll aisle of Asda in Blackburn on Thursday evening.

The photos, which have been shared hundreds of times from the Facebook account for Flightlink Airport Transfers, have evoked rage among shoppers.

One person said: “I don't understand some people. It is madness.”

Another added: “Supermarkets shouldn't allow it. It is ridiculous.”

Earlier today, the Lancashire Telegraph explained how some supermarkets have once again temporarily introduced limits to the number of items shoppers can buy in a bid to prevent shortages.

A Morrisons spokeswoman said: "We are introducing a limit on a small number of key products, such as toilet roll and disinfectant.

"Our stock levels of these products are good but we want to ensure that they are available for everyone."

Earlier this year supermarkets across the country were forced to limit the number of items shoppers could buy as thousands stocked-up on essential items to see them through lockdown.

However the sense of urgency among the public to buy certain items seems to have returned following a government announcement on Tuesday and concerns over a second wave of the deadly virus.

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers have done an excellent job in ensuring customers have access to food and necessities throughout this pandemic.

"Since March, retail businesses have strengthened their supply chains as well as investing hundreds of millions to make stores safe and secure for customers; this includes perspex screens, social distancing measures and additional hygiene measures.

"As such, retail remains a safe space for consumers, even under future lockdowns.

“Supply chains are stronger than ever before and we do not anticipate any issues in the availability of food or other goods under a future lockdown.

"Nonetheless, we urge consumers to be considerate of others and shop as they normally would.”