Empty shelves were seen in a Wimbledon supermarket just days before Christmas as suspected shoppers panic bought essentials as the city went into Tier 4 restrictions.

Footage from December 21 shows empty shelves with various items left, including Brussel sprouts and turkey.

Fears grow as supply chains could be affected by the UK travel ban, stopping freight entering and exiting the country in the wake of a new virulent strain of COVID-19.

At least 40 countries have suspended travel from the UK.

Shoppers respond to the news of France banning food transportation trucks from entering the country on Monday night by buying fruit and vegetables as well as meat today in southwest London today (December 21).

UK supermarket giant Sainsbury's warned if the situation is not resolved in the coming days, supplies of certain fresh fruit and vegetables could run low.
The supermarket however offers reassurance as traditional Christmas dinner vegetables are already in the country.