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Aerial photos show hundreds of customers queuing around the block in the stifling heat to get into Ikea - as stores reopened for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak.

Massive lines of people could be seen snaking around the car parks at the Swedish furniture giant's branch in Nottingham.

Some eager shoppers had been queuing from as early as 5.30am - over four hours before the store was due to open at 10am today (Mon).

Huge traffic jams were also reported in and around the areas as people flocked to their local branch following Boris Johnson's further easing of lockdown restrictions.

Huge queues form at Ikea, Nottingham. June 01 2020. Ikea is reopening 19 stores across England and Northern Ireland today following new guidelines for essential retailers earlier this month. The homewares chain said social distancing wardens will patrol the store and the number of customers would be limited. | Other 3rd Party

The stores are among 19 which have resumed trading with a number of social distancing and safety measures in place, including wardens to enforce the rules.

Phillip Walker, 29, from Sneinton, Nottingham, waited for over an hour to get into his local store after queuing from 8.30am.

He said: "I brought along a camping chair as I thought everybody would be flocking here today.

"I saw what other stores and fast food places have been like and knew it would be chaos.

Huge queues form at Ikea. June 01 2020. | SWNS

"But it's been orderly chaos so far, I'm not sure if that's all going to change once I get inside.

"It's taken well over an hour to get near the front of the queue. I just want to get in and out now - but not before I've bought some meatballs."

Ikea had temporarily closed all 22 stores on March 22 following the outbreak of Covid-19.

Customers have now been asked to shop alone, use hand sanitisers dotted around the store and be prepared with ready-made lists and their own bags.

Play areas and restaurants will also remain shut, but shoppers can still get their hands on the store’s famous meatballs, which are available in food courts to take home.

Peter Jelkeby, Ikea's UK and Ireland chief executive, said: "We’re looking forward to warmly welcoming customers and co-workers back into our stores from 1st June.

"Their health and safety remains our top priority, and that’s why we’ve put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of customers and co-workers.”

Shoppers form massive queues as Ikea in Nottinghamshire as it opens for the first time since lockdown