Chaos erupts at Le Creuset sale as police called over discounted cookware stampede

Police had to be called to a warehouse where posh cookware was sold at massive discounts, causing massive queues and disruptive crowds.

Chaos erupted outside Le Creuset's warehouse in Andover on the weekend after the giant announced a huge sale with lavish items including casserole dishes for half price.

But shoppers from across the UK branded the scenes as "absolutely mental" and said it was "unorganised". People said they were left stuck in a disorderly queue for up to four hours, with one worker attempting to help.

Hampshire Police were called in to manage the crowds as shoppers tried to get their hands on the cult pots and pans, which are prized for their high quality and attractive colours.

READ MORE:

One revealed how they had spent £1,127 on items which would usually have cost a staggering £2,741.50. They said they spent £159 instead of £269 on a casserole pot. Other deals included a stainless steel saucepan for £99 instead of £215.

Hampshire Police told the : "We attended London Road and the A3093 in Andover Saturday morning following reports of heavy congestion in the area. We began receiving reports at 9.45am and we attended to assist with traffic control. Traffic had eased by around 11.15am and we left the area shortly afterwards."

Le Creuset anticipated it to be its "largest in-person event" and it as "first-come-first-served". The company earlier said: "Attendees can shop a selection of premium cookware, including limited-edition colours, rare shapes and other unique styles at special prices."

One frustrated wrote on : "Just driven 1.5 hours, there’s a huge queue to get in. The people at the start of the have been waiting 3 hours to get in and it’s already been open for 3 hours…..don’t come, going home."

Another commented: "We went and we got there at 9:30 and for 4 hours." A third person said: "We were already 2 hours deep in the queue when we were about to give up, I think nearly 3 hours and we got in. Had to sort of queue/browse at the same time. Awfully managed."