Fights have broken out in several UK supermarkets and major retail websites have crashed under 'huge demand' as bargain-hunters desperately try to get their hands on cut-price goods in the Black Friday sales.
The websites of major chains such as Boots, Game, Currys, Argos and Tesco Direct have experienced technical difficulties this morning as shoppers frantically try to snap up discounted items including everything from flat screen TVs, coffee machines and toys to homewares, furnishings and clothing.
Videos have emerged showing shoppers fighting in stores and clambering over each other amid scenes of mayhem, as they desperately try to bag slashed-price goods from the shelves in the lead up to Christmas.
Scotland Yard confirmed officers had been called to at least four stores in London, including in Willesden, Surrey Quays, Edmonton and Edgware, following frantic reports of crowd surges and scuffles.
The Black Friday phenomenon has spread to the UK in recent years after becoming a big hit in the U.S., where traditionally big sales occur on the first Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Today is expected to be the UK's biggest day of spending this year, with the majority of stores – both online and in the high street – heavily discounting an array of goods.
Major fashion chains such as Topshop, Urban Outfitters, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams are promising deals of between 50 and 70 per cent off, while supermarket giants including Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's will battle it out with cut-price technological goods, toys and home furnishings.
