Riot ensues after impatient shoppers rush American Apparel's Brick Lane sale
RIOTING broke out as thousands of shoppers tried to bag a bargain in a Brick Lane sale over the Bank Holiday weekend. Clothes retailer American Apparel had to provide extra security staff after 10 police officers were injured when 2,000 bargain hunters de
RIOTING broke out as thousands of shoppers tried to bag a bargain in a Brick Lane sale over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Clothes retailer American Apparel had to provide extra security staff after 10 police officers were injured when 2,000 bargain hunters descended on its 'Rummage Sale' in the Truman Brewery on Friday.
Officers were called to Brick Lane because of an unexpected turnout for American Apparel's four-day sale which began on Friday morning.
As patient shoppers queued along Brick Lane and down Hanbury Street, a group of people were said to have rushed the doors, causing panic.
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People fighting police and climbing on top of cars were filmed by shocked shoppers on the mobile phones outside the venue.
A statement from American Apparel said: "Some unfortunate and downright dangerous behaviour in the queue prompted the police to temporarily close the event down until they could ensure security for everyone involved.
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"In our many rummage sales, we've never witnessed anything like it and are disappointed and sorry that it happened.
"Fortunately we were able to work out an urgent arrangement for extra security that allowed us to continue to run the rummage sale as planned over the weekend and Monday."
More than 150,000 USA-made garments available at discount prices were shipped into the East End for the sale.
The chain has branches in Curtain Road, Shoreditch and in Oxford Street.
On Saturday, the security was doubled and doors opened early to avoid a potential crush.
Scotland Yard said 10 officers received minor injuries but none required hospital treatment.
A police spokesman said three people were arrested on public order offences.
