Tesco and Sainsbury’s have stopped taking orders on their websites from customers in Scotland, because of the bad weather.

Tesco said it could not guarantee orders made through Tesco Direct would be delivered in time for Christmas.

Sainsbury’s said it has temporarily suspended deliveries for Scotland.

Scotland has been hit hard from the snow, and the transport network grinded to a halt. It is expected that it will be hit with further snow.

Tesco said its priority was to deliver goods which had already been ordered.

Etailers Amazon and Firebox have had similar problems, with Firebox saying next-day delivery could not be currently guaranteed.

A statement on the Tesco Direct website reads: “We apologise for any inconvenience, but unfortunately we are currently unable to take any new orders in Scotland and the Scottish Isles.

“This is due to the adverse weather conditions causing a build-up of orders. However, if you have already placed an order we will do our very best to deliver your items as soon as possible.”

Sainsbury’s website said: “We have temporarily suspended Standard Delivery for Scotland and some parts of North-East England.”

Separately, an explosion at a Tesco store in Greater Manchester has left eight people injured.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke filling the store on Bolton Road in Walkden on Sunday afternoon, according to the BBC.

The store and surrounding areas were then evacuated.

Initial reports suggest the explosion might have come from the bakery area.