A 56-year-old shopper was mugged for his toilet paper just moments after leaving a store in London as panic about the coronavirus epidemic lead to wide-spread stockpiling.

Dinendra was leaving a Savers store in Harringay, north London, around 3.30pm when someone ran up behind him and snatched one of the two toilet rolls he was carrying.

He was left shaken after the broad-daylight attack and lodged a report with the police - but insists 'it's not the value of the toilet roll, its the principle'.

A 56-year-old shopper was mugged for his toilet paper just moments after leaving a Savers store in Harringay, north London. Pictured: Other shoppers leaving the store today

Dinendra - who only went into the story to buy toilet paper - said: 'I went to my local savers and bought two packs of toilet rolls.

'Someone came up from behind and stole one packet in broad daylight.

'I was shaken and shocked. Is that what we have come to? Its not the value of the toilet roll, its the principle.

The mugging comes as panic about the coronavirus epidemic leads to wide-spread stockpiling. Pictured: Stockpiling in Savers, north London today

'I'm concerned about the vulnerable people, the elderly. In terms of their health and their emotions as well.'

The Savers store Dinendra was shopping in saw huge crowds forming long queues as worried shoppers stocked up on goods.

Food retailers have urged customers to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves were stripped bare.

British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers asking everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.

It comes as scores of shoppers have been panic-buying essentials, including toilet paper, as fears intensify over the spread of coronavirus.

Retailers are currently working 'round the clock' to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.

The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.

It said: 'We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus.

'We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.'

The Savers shop Dinendra was shopping in (pictured earlier today) saw huge crowds forming long queues as worried shoppers stocked up on goods

The letter added: 'But we need your help too. We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.

'We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.

'There is enough for everyone if we all work together. Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.

'Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home.'

Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added.

Dinendra - who was mugged outside the Savers shop in Harringay (pictured) - insists 'it's not the value of the toilet roll, its the principle'

And outlets with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the retailers, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible.

'In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need.'

Met Police were approached for comment.

