Wind-up radios sell out across Britain's high streets as shoppers panic-buy after Labour's 'Be Ready' stockpiling call

Orders for wind-up radios have surged fivefold, with at least seven models selling out across four outlets on Saturday. Maplin reports torch sales up 284% and power bank sales up 106%. At the Asda on Colchester's Turner Rise retail park, some shoppers spent two hours stuck in the car park. One described the store as 'rammed with people panic buying'.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting launched the three-year campaign on Thursday, urging households to keep three days of supplies.

Labour now insists the guidance is not a 'shopping list', despite naming radios, power banks and blankets.

Of 12 major Newcastle stores checked, only one still had wind-up radios on its shelves.