The nation's supermarkets will now be allowed to help each other keep their shelves stocked as the government has temporarily relaxed competition laws.

Shoppers were pictured squeezing together at supermarkets up and down the country this morning, ignoring social distancing rules from the government amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Major stores have limited the number of people allowed inside a supermarket at once, with others asking customers to remain at least two metres apart amid the UK's coronavirus outbreak.

One man alleged he was stopped from entering an unnamed supermarket in Derby because he was 'unable to guarantee' he could remain a distance from the nearest person.

All the major supermarkets imposed restrictions this month keep shelves full after Brits panicked due to the pandemic and stocked up on supplies.

It is believed some people in the UK are purchasing the items in order to obtain perks only available to healthcare professionals.