Supermarkets run out of water and baked beans as Britons rush to stockpile after call for kits

Shoppers at online grocer Ocado found key essentials such as batteries, water, and baked beans unavailable shortly after the launch.

Supermarket chain Iceland has seen a 40 per cent increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend alone.

An Iceland spokesman told BBC Newsnight: “It’s clear consumers have listened to the Government’s message as we have seen a 40 per cent increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend and strong sales of bottled water too.

“Our supplies of these products remain healthy.”

Retailer Robert Dyas reported a 160 per cent increase in sales of radios compared to the previous week.

Other stores, including Maplin, also said sales had increased by 92 per cent in radios, 284 per cent in torches and 106 per cent in power banks.

Managing director at Maplin Ollie Marshall told the BBC: “Within hours of the Be Ready announcement we saw people reach for the basics – a torch, a wind-up radio, a power bank. Torch sales nearly quadrupled and radio sales almost doubled in three days.

“These are simple, affordable products that keep a household connected and informed when the power goes out, and it’s encouraging to see people taking the advice seriously.”

The surge in sales follows Defence Secretary Wes Streeting’s call for Britons to gear up for food shortages driven by a rise in cyber attacks.

He urged Britons to prepare for “everyday risks” and maintain a modest stock of long-life food and bottled water at home.

The “Be Ready” initiative is a three-year plan by the Labour Government, designed to ensure households across the UK are better equipped to cope when essential services face temporary disruption.

The campaign sets out updated guidance for families and individuals on how to prepare for events such as extreme weather that can knock out power, water supplies, telephone networks and internet connectivity.

Among the key recommendations is registering for the Priority Services Register, a free scheme that enables gas, water and electricity providers to identify customers who may require additional help during an emergency.

At the core of the guidance is the principle that people should be ready to manage independently for up to three days if services are interrupted, a benchmark already adopted by several European nations.

Targeted radio and social media adverts for the scheme have also focused on groups considered most vulnerable during everyday emergencies, particularly families with young children and older people.

In response to the sales boost on certain items, the Defence Secretary told BBC Newsnight: “It’s encouraging that people are taking practical steps to be ready.

“Having a few everyday essentials at home, from tinned food to torches, helps households prepare for disruption, whether that’s flooding, power cuts or burst pipes.

“We can all play our part in making Britain more resilient.”