iPad madness has hit the UK, as eager shoppers queue over night

Rosie Khdir unveils the mania that has taken hold at the release of the Apple iPad in the UK as crowds gather to get their hands on the long-awaited tablet.

Its release has been pushed back and now more than ever there is ridiculous amounts of hype surrounds the iPad.

For those who didn’t receive a delightful rectangular surprise on their doorsteps yesterday, when the iPad arrived early, stores selling the iPad opened bright and early at 8am.

The flagship Apple store in London has been a congregation point for every gadget fiend who wants to get their hands on the shiny tablet. The BBC reported that the store was “besieged with hundreds of people” and police were on hand to keep everyone on order. (See the queue below.)

Famous Apple fan Stephen Fry tweeted this morning:

“Off to the Apple Store to watch the iPad launch. I ordered a 3G version which arrived yesterday. Raa!”

Then tweeted again, commenting on the ambience in store:

“Holy arse but what an atmosphere in the Regent Street Apple Store. Astounding. Sx”

Well there you have it, a momentous day in gadget history for many people today. Will you be joining the hoards to get your hands on an iPad?

Image credits: josh.liba and The Tartinis