Police detained three people after a fight erupted outside a California Apple Store where a crowd waited overnight for release of the new iPhone.

Police spokesman Jason Clawson said two men were arrested after getting into a fight while queuing in Pasadena They face misdemeanor citations. It was unclear what the fight was about.

Mr Clawson said a third man was placed on a 72-hour mental health hold after running into the street in an enraged state. He said it appears the man may have been among several homeless men who were hired to buy iPhones for other customers.

Mr Clawson said when the store ran out of the new smartphones, the homeless men did not get paid and became upset.

No significant injuries were reported.

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