Chaos and violence at UK shops Shoppers jostle for electrical goods at a store in London. AP Photo/PA, David Parry Source: AP ONE of Britain's most senior police officers has attacked retailers after Black Friday promotions sparked chaos and violence in stores around the country. Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), condemned lax security arrangements at shops after fights broke out and huge crowds threatened to cause crushes. Officers were called to a number of supermarkets overnight amid chaotic scenes as thousands of shoppers sought discounts. RELATED: The best Aussie Black Friday deals Customers fall to the floor as they grapple for an LED television during a Black Friday discount sale at an Asda supermarket, operated by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in the Wembley district of London. Picture: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images Source: Supplied At least three people were arrested and a woman was hurt after being hit by a falling television, while some outlets were forced to shut to restore order. Eyewitnesses described how bargain-hunters behaved "like animals" and likened scenes to "a war zone." Sir Peter, whose force appealed to shoppers to keep calm, said: "The events of last night were totally predictable and I am disappointed that stores did not have sufficient security staff on duty. This created situations where we had to deal with crushing, disorder and disputes between customers. It does not help that this was in the early hours when police resources are already stretched. We just ask these stores to work with us to reduce the demands on policing and reduce the risks of disorder and crime. A number of outlets around the country opened at midnight as chains offered big price cuts to mark Black Friday, a phenomenon originating in the United States which has emerged as one of Britain's busiest shopping days of the year.