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Sainsbury's has issued an urgent plea to stop stockpiling shoppers - and ensure there's enough food and essentials for everyone amid coronavirus panic buying.

The supermarket sent a mass email to reassure customers on Sunday morning, March 15 after shelves were stripped bare in shops across the city.

It urged families to 'just buy what they need' and shop 'normally' in order to make sure everybody has access to groceries, hand sanitiser, toilet roll and other vital items.

The retail giant also requested that residents help vulnerable and elderly neighbours, friends and family members with their shopping as plans for over-70s to self-isolate are implemented.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Meanwhile, shop staff are working 'tirelessly' to stock up on in-demand items, with more essential items on order and a higher capacity at their warehouses.

Limits have been put in place to stop stockpiling on cleaning products, soap and pain relief at the store - along with several others across Birmingham.

The message from 'Mike' at Sainsbury's read: "You will have seen that, due to the ongoing uncertainty around the full impact of Coronavirus, supermarkets have been much busier than usual and customers are choosing to stock up.

"I wanted to personally reassure you that we have more food and other essential items coming to us from manufacturers and into our warehouses and distribution centres.

"If we all shop just for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone. I also wanted to let you know that at Sainsbury's, we are working really hard to ensure this remains the case.

"Over the past two weeks we have: - Ordered more stock of essential items from our suppliers - Put more capacity into our warehouses and - Set limits on a small number of items, including some cleaning products, soap and pain relief. This is a precautionary measure - if everyone shops normally, there will be enough for everyone.

(Image: Birmingham Live)

"There are gaps on shelves because of increased demand, but we have new stock arriving regularly and we're doing our best to keep shelves stocked. Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can.

"Which brings me onto a request. Please 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."