POLICE are appealing for calm as panic buying drivers formed long queues outside petrol stations.

In a statement released this afternoon, Thames Valley Police reminded members of the public that the UNITE union is still in talks with employers to avert a strike.

It said: "There is currently no problem with fuel supplies reaching petrol stations in Thames Valley and therefore we would urge all motorists to continue as normal with their fuel purchases - there is no need to stock up. Petrol stations in Thames Valley are not being closed by police.

"Misinformation that is being spread online and through word of mouth has the potential to cause panic buying which could result in petrol stations not being able to keep up with demand."

Head of Force Joint Operations Unit Ch Supt Chris Shead said: "We also have plans in hand to ensure that if strikes occur, police and other emergency services and other critical local agencies can maintain their normal response service across the Thames Valley."

Updates are: SLOUGH: Shell, Burnham Lane - Now selling petrol and diesel, after delivery at 1pm today. Long queues on the forecourt. Long queues.

Texaco, Farnham Road - Expected to run out of petrol and diesel within next hour. Next delivery expected tomorrow.

BP Express, Parlaunt Road - Operating as usual but with long queues.

Esso, Stoke Poges Lane - No diesel, no petrol. Delivery tomorrow.

Murco, High Street, Chalvey - Operating as usual. Suresh Kumar, manager, said: "Our drivers are not striking - we will be supplying fuel all the time. People are just panic buying at the moment."

Wexham Service Station, Wexham Road - Operating as usual.

BP, Farnham Road - Operating as usual with long queues.

Total, Bath Road - Petrol and diesel, long queues.

Esso, Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Common - Has petrol and diesel and delivery due tonight. People filling up with higher quantities. Increased trade and long queues.

Beaconsfield Services, M40 - has some pumps closed but is expecting a further two deliveries this evening. Manager says many people are panic buying. HGV diesel run out.

Windsor: Shell, Clarence Road - Has run out of all petrol and diesel but expecting delivery tonight.

BP, Maidenhead Road - Run out of all petrol and diesel, expecting delivery tonight.

BP, Windsor Road - Enough fuel to last until delivery tomorrow. Long queues and station has been very busy. Sold 20,000 litres in six hours - compared to average of 12,000 a day.