LIDL has said empty shelves at some of its stores nationally are down to 'disruptions to supply chain networks'.

Shoppers nationally had noticed German discount supermarket shelves emptier than usual, taking pictures of the clear gaps on the shelves.

And supermarkets including Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi, are also rumoured to be having issues.

There has been a variety of explanations for the shortage on the shelves, including Brexit and coronavirus, but it is understand a lack of lorry drivers is the main cause of the issues.

In a statement issued due to the problems nationally Lidl said: "Unfortunately, like a number of other retailers, the availability of some products has been impacted by the current disruptions to supply chain networks.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are doing all we can to resolve the issues as soon as possible and to minimise any impact to our customers."

In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, there was an appeal to shoppers in Worcester to not bulk or ‘panic’ buy as empty shelves appeared in supermarkets then. The most popular items that were difficult to get hold of at the time included toilet roll, bread, handwash and soap.

Last month we reported on industry experts warning empty shelves was 'inevitable' due to staff shortages across low-paying sectors including harvesting, manufacturing, and in particular a chronic lack of drivers.

"The real crisis for food supplies starts now,” said Shane Brennan, chief executive officer of the Cold Chain Federation when speaking to the Guardian.

He said that while he was typically wary of empty shelf warnings, “this time definitely feels different”.

Trade website The Grocer also reported that trade bodies, logistics firms and suppliers had all been warning that the end of lockdown, combined with the summer holidays could see a tipping point reached.

Have you noticed issues on shelves in Lidl or other supermarkets? Email sgr@worcesternews.co.uk with your pictures.