Shoppers clash as new Lidl superstore opens

Hundreds of shoppers clashed as they rushed to secure a bargain at the opening of a supermarket today.

Several customers suffered minor injuries in the scuffles as crowds swarmed to the Lidl store in Southall, witnesses said.

Security guards closed the store's main doors after stands were knocked down in the stampede. Huge queues then developed outside the store, in the High Street, which opened at 8am with special offers including discounted TVs. A Lidl spokesman said: "It has been a very, very, busy store opening.

"Our security staff have had to close the doors from time to time to limit the numbers of people inside the store. I have no knowledge of fighting."

A police officer has been posted to the area after the stampede. A Met spokesman said: "We are aware there have been crowds of excited people there."