RETAILERS denied reports of panic buying despite near-empty supermarket shelves as shoppers flocked to stock up on winter staples.

Lorries struggled to make deliveries amid treacherous conditions on the roads while stores reported a surge in sales of essentials, including bread and long-life milk.

Though many outlets upped their orders, the basics have still come close to running out.

Scott Allan, aged 33, said supplies of milk and bread were low at his Co-op store in the Ibrox area of Glasgow.

“The shelves were nearly empty, with just a couple of cartons of the more expensive organic milk left and a few loaves of bread,” he said.

“Now the weather looks like it’s here to stay I am planning to stock up a bit on the way home from work.”