Crazy queues hit Smyths toy stores in Ireland as panic shopping rages on

Panic shoppers are flocking to Smyths toy stores across the country with huge lines outside.

The toy store on Kinsale Street in Cork, as well as the Airside Retail Park in Dublin, are awash with people this morning.

Queues stretch around the stores with people distancing themselves socially while waiting to enter.

Dave Dalton, who works next door to the Kinsale Road store, said there are queues both ways for both clicking and pickup and purchase at the store.

He said there are about 40 to 50 people in each row.

The Christmas shopping panic has been sparked by leaks Sunday night that NPHET wants to bring Ireland to level four.

If a deal was reached on level five, nonessential stores like Smyths would have to close for a while.

The cabinet will meet later today after NPHET sent shockwaves across the country with its second shutdown recommendation.

The three party leaders, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, will meet with Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan this morning.

Opposition parties will be informed after Coalition leaders meet with the CMO and demand to know the data that has led NPHET to recommend level 5.

You can follow all the latest details on our live blog right here.