Tesco will stop 24-hour operations with immediate effect, in a bid to tackle panic buyers during coronavirus.

Bosses at the UK's biggest supermarket have decided to close all 24-hour stores at 10pm, reopening at 6am on Wednesday morning.

They will continue to open between 6am and 10pm for the immediate future, it is understood.

Staff in stores were informed on Tuesday afternoon and it was not immediately clear whether those who will see shifts cut will also see a cut in pay during the uncertain times.

There are almost 4,000 Tesco branches in the UK - but around 400 branches currently open 24 hours a day.

The total number of stores closing early is currently unknown.

The short-term measure is to help replenish stores which have been seeing huge numbers of shoppers buying certain items in large bulks, partially pasta, bread toilet roll and hand sanitiser.

Bosses at the UK's biggest supermarket have decided the stores will then reopen at 6am on Wednesday morning.

The decision comes as the Government announced a business rates holiday for all retailers and the leisure industry.

Despite government advice saying people should not panic buy, shoppers have been seen queuing waiting to be the first customers when stores open.

Tesco is currently limiting customers to no more than five UHT milks, dried pasta, some tinned vegetables and antibacterial products like wipes and sprays.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said people have no reason to stockpile: "We are absolutely confident our supply chains are working, and will work, and we will get farm to fork food supplies. Therefore people should have no reason to stockpile or panic buy."

As of Tuesday, March 17, a total of 1,950 people in the UK have tested positive for coronavirus.

Tesco declined to comment.