Apple's flagship store in Hong Kong had sold out of iPhone 4S handsets before its first day had even drawn to a close, with police called to quell crowd disturbances.

The handset's launch attracted more than 3,000 people to the store, with police summoned into action the previous night to disperse 300 to 400 people who had reportedly begun to argue with 'professional queuers' looking to ship the device on.

Siri-ous business

Holding pens had to be constructed the following day to prepare for the onrush of customers, with an estimated additional 2,000 people adding to the controlled queue of 1,250.

The device has yet to launch in mainland China, where many of the handsets purchased in Hong Kong will more than likely be heading. Apple Insider estimates these so called professional queuers can make up to HK$1,000 ($129) for each iPhone 4S they procure.

With a limit of five handsets per person, said professionals could earn up to a month's salary by waiting in line.

Apple's popularity in China was the focus of a recent study by Morgan Stanley, which determined that the Cupertino-based company had recently replaced Nokia as the number one smartphone brand.

[source: AppleInsider]