Chaotic scenes broke out in London’s high-end shopping district at the weekend as car enthusiasts forced the closure of streets and hundreds of shoppers charged department store Harrods.
Four people were arrested on Sunday afternoon as hundreds of young people gathered outside the luxury outlet in Knightsbridge and tried to force their way in.
The crowds were crammed shoulder to shoulder on the street with many not wearing face masks.
Similar-sized crowds were seen on Oxford Street and Regent Street as England’s lockdown restrictions were lifted in time for the Christmas shopping period.
The Metropolitan Police said four men were arrested outside Harrods after “reports of a large group of people attempting to enter a shop”.
Two men were arrested for affray, one for breach of Covid-19 regulations and another for a breach of the regulations as well as a public order offence, police said.
The situation was not helped by a car meet held on nearby Pall Mall on the same night.
Police were sent to break up the unofficial event after crowds gathered around cars and motorbikes as engines revved, blocking several streets and choking traffic in central London. Some drivers were also seen speeding.
Anne Mannion posted a video on Twitter showing the air thick with exhaust fumes.
London is currently under Tier 2 restrictions, meaning large gatherings are illegal with groups of up to six allowed to meet.
Police said the crowds were dispersed by about 3am.
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People sing and dance to Christmas songs at Covent Garden, in London. Reuters -
Crowds of people listen to a busker in Covent Garden. Getty Images -
Shoppers on Oxford Street during the first weekend after lockdown in London. EPA -
Shoppers wear face masks and Christmas hats in Regent Street. AP Photo -
Shoppers walk along a temporarily pedestrianized Regent Street. Bloomberg -
Shoppers fill a crowded Regent Street. Reuters -
Crowds of shoppers are seen on Oxford Street. Getty Images -
Shoppers walk down pedestrianized Regent Street. Reuters
