PANIC over the prospect of chemical or biological warfare has increased in Wyre Forest since the weekend's air strikes on Afghanistan.

Purchases of gas masks, chemical suits and ration packs from Langer's Army and Navy Stores in Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, had dwindled before the weekend since peaking two weeks ago.

But owner Steve Langer said sales and inquiries had shot up again since news broke on Sunday of strikes in the Middle East, leading to fears of chemical retaliation.

His stock of 70 gas masks has been wiped out since Monday, although he was hopeful of obtaining fresh supplies yesterday.

This number includes a package of 20 shipped to America as part of an order made over the internet, while Mr Langer also has very few chemical suits left.

He said: "It had calmed down and I had only sold about 20 last week. But the weekend news did have an effect and I have had panicked people in the shop. One woman wanted reassurance that the gas masks work."

Before the fresh surge Mr Langer had sold more than 100 masks over the internet and about 350 to people visiting his shop - including some people who had shelled out more than £200 to protect their entire families.

The unprecedented demand had seen gas masks double in price with the most expensive being sold for £45.