THERE were chaotic scenes at Tesco in Dudley today with crowds of people crammed together as hundreds arrived for a golden hour for NHS and emergency service workers.

Hundreds of shoppers queued outside the Tesco store near Burnt Tree island amid concerns over further panic buying despite pleas for people to observe social distancing.

There were reports of people pushing and shoving to get inside to dash for high-demand items such as toilet rolls and pasta.

Louise thompson said on Twitter: "My friend who is an amazing Sister at City @SWBHnhs has got bruises from the Dudley ‘NHS shopping hour’ so dangerous in so many ways.

"Please learn from other stores and the NHS and get organised #Dudley #DudleyTescos."


Marco Roth posted a picture of hordes of shoppers waiting to get inside the store.

He tweeted: "Hang on a minute.....you're telling me I can't sit in a pub anymore with just a handful of people scattered around yet allow this, in Tesco's, Dudley????"

The shop opened from 9am till 10am for NHS staff and emergency workers only, but many healthcare workers, hoping to get supplies after long shifts, left before the doors opened because of the huge crowd.

There have been reports of some shoppers queuing from 5am.

There has been outrage on social media over people flouting the instruction to social distance - with shoppers crammed closely together.