Phone users rush to answer latest call

Some began queuing outside the central London shop as early as Monday afternoon to buy Apple’s latest model, the futuristic 5S handset which is equipped with a fingerprint scanner.

Noah Green, 17, was the first in the queue, having only left his vigil to shower at a nearby gym since setting up camp outside the store at 4pm on Monday.

Emerging from the store 20 minutes after the doors opened to rapturous applause, Noah, clutching a limited edition gold device, said: “It’s the best feeling in the world. I’m the first in the United Kingdom and I have the best phone.”

The teenager said he turned down offers of up to £5,000 for his prime spot in the queue, saying he would only consider giving up his place for £10,000.

The device, which also comes in silver and “space” grey, is expected to fly off the shelves – but it is unclear whether the colourful 5C model will have the same reception.

The cheaper 5C comes in five hues – pink, blue, yellow, green, and white - and has been released at a time when Apple faces stiffer competition than ever before.

Brother and sister Olly and Charlotte McIlroy, from Bexleyheath, spent more than £2,000 on four handsets for their family.

The pair, drawn to technology that allows users to unlock their phones with the touch of a finger, said they had fun since joining the queue on Thursday night.

Charlotte, 19, said: “We thought it would be a really fun experience. We met some really nice people.”

Olly, 16, added: “Our brother and mum are paying us £100 to do it.”

Several people were carrying tents and energy drinks as they made their way towards the store.