'Riot' breaks out at UK shopping centre after false reports of 'gunfire'

Hundreds of shoppers were evacuated from Westfield shopping centre in Stratford amid reports of a Boxing Day riot. Photo / via Twitter

Westfield shopping centre in Stratford was evacuated by fleeing shoppers overnight after reports of a Boxing Day riot between rival gangs.

The incident came shortly after hundreds of people fled House of Fraser on London's Oxford Street, where people thought they heard gunfire - a claim later debunked by police.

Social media photos appeared to show a large number of police officers and stewards trying to control crowds on the ground floor of the shopping centre in Westfield.

Pictures posted on social media showed hundreds of Boxing Day shoppers affected after security staff evacuated Westfield in Stratford. Photo / via Twitter

Footage also emerged online of more than a dozen police officers and security guards forcing people backwards.

Westfield Stratford said in a statement on Twitter that there was a 'minor disturbance' but insisted that the centre was not evacuated.

It said: "There was a minor disturbance early afternoon which has now been resolved.

"The centre was not evacuated and is trading normally. Westfield Stratford City is open until 10pm tonight for Boxing Day sales."

Shoppers took to Twitter to describe the chaos with hundreds of people affected while shopping for Boxing Day sales.

One woman wrote on Twitter: "Not entirely sure what happened at Westfield, whether it was a prank or gang fight but all I know is that was the most terrifying experience of my life.

"All I saw was a stampede of screaming people coming towards me & poor kids being trampled on."

Some shoppers also claimed that a gang fight was behind the evacuation.

One woman said: "Please avoid Westfield Stratford shopping centre big chaos going on because of gang fight."

A post on Facebook claimed that fights had broken out inside the shopping centre.

It said: "Avoid Westfield! I had to rush there because my daughter and my niece were stuck inside where fights were breaking out and police vans and ambulances were rushing to the scene. Shops being smashed and most exits in Westfield have been blocked due to the incidents."

The Metropolitan Police tweeted a statement, confirming they had stopped "groups causing a disturbance".

They said: 'Officers attended Westfield Stratford city shopping centre this afternoon following reports of disorder. Groups causing disturbances were dispersed.

"Officers remain on scene with extra patrols at the centre and in surrounding areas."

Meanwhile, on Oxford Street, at least one woman was injured after chaos broke out upon reports of a smashed window at House of Fraser.

Hundreds of Boxing Day shoppers reportedly fled the store after believing they heard gunfire - but police say there is "nothing to indicate shots fired" or "criminal offences" occurred at the store.

About an hour after the incident, a police officer at the scene told MailOnline that it was "nothing serious" and the window being smashed "just an accident".

"Everything is back to normal now," the police officer near the scene on Henrietta Place, at the back of House of Fraser, said.

The hurt woman is believed to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries to her head while fleeing House of Fraser.

Photos from the scene show smashed window to the House of Fraser building, in front of a display for Swarovski Crystals.

People at the scene reported on social media that shoppers were evacuated from the store and police and an ambulance had arrived.

Police were called to the scene just after 4.50pm.

The Met Police said in a statement: ''Local officers and armed officers are on scene in Oxford Street, W1. They responded to reports of shots heard.

"Nothing to indicate shots fired. One woman with non-life threatening injuries as a result of a fall."

Police added: "There is nothing to indicate that shots have been fired or any criminal offences have occurred."

It remains unclear what exactly how the window was smashed.

Both Westfield Stratford and Oxford Street have faced chaotic incidents in recent months.

In November, armed police were called to Oxford Streets to false reports of gunshots after hundreds of panicked shoppers fled the area.

Oxford Circus station, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations were closed in the incidient, but police said they "found no evidence of gun shots" and "no suspects".

Police say there is 'nothing to indicate shots fired' or 'criminal offences' in Oxford St. Photo / via BBC

In Westfield Stratford, a man was arrested in September after one man was stabbed and another was injured as customers reported seeing "blood all over the floor".

Police were called to what was described by one witness as a "mass brawl" at the shopping complex where one stunned customer shared a photo on social media of officers and onlookers surrounding what appears to be a man lying motionless on the floor, as passersby held hands to their mouths in distress.

The Met Police said at the time that they were called at to reports of a fight near Stratford station before they arrested a male on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

A spokesman added: "A male was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service suffering a stab injury - condition awaits.

"A second male was found with head injuries - his condition is not thought to be serious.

"A male was arrested nearby on suspicion of GBH and possession of an offensive weapon. Enquiries into the circumstances continue."