A Scots mum has pleaded with shoppers to stop panic buying after she could not find a single thing to eat for her autistic son.
Danielle Haynes, 27, went to her local Asda to get her usual weekly shop and, like thousands of other disappointed shoppers, was left reeling after finding shelves completely empty.
Danielle's six-year-old son Emmett has non-verbal autism and will only eat a specific kind of frozen pizza and sausages from Asda.
Supermarkets across the country have seen unprecedented levels of sales with customers stockpiling amid the coronavirus crisis
But Danielle, of Paisley, was stunned this week to discover there were no Asda mini Frozen pizzas or Extra Special chipolatas - Emmett's go-to foods.
Danielle, who is a photography student, said: "I couldn't believe my eyes. There was barely a thing left on any shelves.
"I just started panicking when I realised Emmett's pizza and sausages weren't there. I know people might not fully understand what it's like to have a child who has autism, but when they are particular about food they will literally only eat that food or not eat at all. I was so worried about what I would be able to feed him.
"I looked for alternatives that I could perhaps try, but there was just no other pizzas or sausages, nothing."
Fretting about what her child would be able to eat the distraught mum appealed on Facebook to anyone who had Emmett's favourite foods spare - and the results were overwhelming.
Danielle said: "I was so shocked at the response. People started messaging me asking how they could help and offering to get other things for me. It really restored my faith in people and how kind they can be. It has been amazing to see."
Danielle ended up with a whopping 24 pizzas and 60 sausages thanks to the generous actions of volunteers.
She added: "It's amazing that I don't have to worry about what Emmett will have to eat, but at the same time, I have kind of ended up being a food hoarder by accident. I just wish people would be more sensible."
Danielle is now pleading with shoppings to stop panic buying and really think of the impact on youngsters like Emmett.
She added: "I try not to judge because I know people are just afraid of what is happening and they are just trying to look after their family, just like I am, but we need to think of everyone.
"If we all just shop for what we need these kinds of situations can be avoided. There are people with specific dietary needs who are gluten free or whatever and none of those products are available because people are panic buying. It needs to stop now."
