KFC lovers in the are being urged not to call the police over the fried chicken "crisis".
The fast food chain closed half its 900 UK outlets after "operational issues" with its new delivery firm DHL.
"For those who contacted the police about KFC being out of chicken ... please STOP," officers in Manchester pleaded.
Police in London joined them in tweeting the chicken shortage was "not a police matter" but neither force could confirm if it had received calls.
For those who contacted the Police about KFC being out of chicken ... please STOP. Their website says the Prestwich store is now open if you want to follow the four police cars through the drive thru ..
— GMP Whitefield (@GMPWhitefield) February 20, 2018
Please do not contact us about the #KFCCrisis - it is not a police matter if your favourite eatery is not serving the menu that you desire.
— Tower Hamlets MPS (@MPSTowerHam) February 20, 2018
Fans of the fast food chain have been in a flap on social media using the hashtag #KFCcrisis to complain they were left feeling peckish.
And complaints from "disappointed" customers have been winging their way to MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark Neil Coyle.
I've been contacted by disappointed #KFC customers on Borough High St #SE1 & Walworth Rd #SE17 today: https://t.co/vNVQiMLs9Q
— Neil Coyle (@coyleneil) February 19, 2018
KFC tweeted that more than half its restaurants had reopened on Tuesday afternoon.
But the "crisis" looks set to continue with hundreds of outlets remaining closed, while others will have a reduced menu or shortened hours.
However, one half of children's entertainers the Chuckle Brothers posted a cocky tweet after he managed to get his hands on some chicken and chips.
But Paul Chuckle, 70, whose real name is Paul Elliott, had his feathers ruffled over the fact coleslaw was missing.
Enjoyed my three pieces and chips but gutted the coleslaw wasn't in my bag .... glad you had a delivery https://t.co/OTGG74kzBR
— Paul Chuckle (@PaulChuckle2) February 20, 2018