Fights broke out at Harrods and Westfield as fans queued for a new Pokémon card release yesterday, with the Harrods event cancelled after crowds turned disorderly.
The trouble broke out inside Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and outside Harrods in Knightsbridge on Wednesday, November 12, as large groups of people waited in line for the 30th celebration ultra-premium collection of Pokémon cards.
Footage circulating online appears to show the moment Westfield security guards tried to drag away a group of young men pushing and hitting each other during the brawl. They can be seen running away as security runs after them.
It is understood the disorder was caused by a few people who were unhappy about their place in the queue. Another video shows a group of people grabbing and pushing each other in a disorderly manner while waiting in line.
The Metropolitan Police said no calls were made to officers about Westfield. Multiple officers did attend Harrods, however, after a few calls were made asking police to manage the crowd.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Due to the number of people that turned up, the event was subsequently cancelled by Harrods. No arrests or dispersal orders were needed.”
This is not the first time a Pokémon card release has ended in violence in London. In June this year, a group of men were seen fighting with bats at Southernwood Retail Park near Old Kent Road. At the time, a 43-year-old man was arrested. It is not clear if he was since charged.
The latest disorder comes as police continue to warn about the risks of large, unmanaged queues for limited-edition releases. Earlier this week, figures showed knife crime falling across London, while a Lewisham man was cleared this week of an alleyway attack in Lee.
