Controversial TV host Jeremy Clarkson has vowed to keep his Oxfordshire farm shop open during the coronavirus crisis but has warned his prospective customers to keep a safe distance.

Last night the UK government instructed the public to avoid all but essential travel, as well as ordering all shops to close unless they sell essential items such as food, toiletries and medical supplies.

Former Top Gear presenter Clarkson opened a farm shop in February for a new Amazon TV show and is allowed to remain open under the rules, which were introduced to slow the spread of the deadly disease.

In a post on Twitter, the 59-year-old announced: "People of Chipping Norton. My farm shop will open at 11. Only potatoes on offer. Panic buyers welcome. Don't get out of your car.

"Two things. To maintain minimum safe distance, it's cash only. And no you can't have a fucking selfie."

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has now exceeded 400,000 people worldwide, with more than 18,000 losing their lives.