SAINSBURY'S chief executive Mike Coupe has shared a message with worried shoppers to try prevent panic buying in stores amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coupe reassured customers that the chain store had more than enough food and supplies to meet regular demand, and that stockpiling was not necessary.

In an email, he noted that "supermarkets have been much busier than usual and customers are choosing to stock up" before going on to "personally reassure" the public that more stock was coming.

Coupe also appealed to customers to "think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need.

"If we all do this then we can make sure we have enough for everyone. And please help elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to thank our colleagues who are all working incredibly hard to ensure we can continue to serve our customers well."

Over the past two weeks, Sainsubury's has set limits on the number of household items that could be bought at once. Social media users have also shared images of empty shelves, prompting fears of scarcity and shortages.

However, as Coupe notes, " if everyone shops normally, there will be enough for everyone."