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Die-hard Apple fans have begun queueing outside the firm’s flagship store four days before the new iPhones go on sale.

Gad Harari, 17, and friend Noah Green, 17, were first in line — having been camping in Regent Street since Monday night ahead of Friday morning’s launch.

Mr Green brought a portable greenhouse to sleep in — but said he had been forced to take it down by officers from Westminster council.

The student from Stanmore, who runs his own internet business, admitted he was supposed to be at college this week, but said: “I don’t think they’ll mind” because joining the queue was “an ingenious idea”.

He said he had queued for every Apple gadget released in the past four years: “I collect them. I pretty much have everything that Apple makes.”

Mr Harari, a student from Hendon, said: “We are always among the first to get a new iPhone. I would probably sell my place in the queue for about £1,000. There are crazy people who are willing to do that.” He said he had already been offered £200 but was holding out for more. Next in the queue was estate agent Michael Roberts, 23, from Hampton Court, who has taken time off work to be there.

He said: “It has become a tradition. It’s the same group that come every year.” The 5c, which comes in five colours, is priced from £469. The 5s, featuring fingerprint sensor, will cost from £549. Apple’s new operating system for mobile and tablet, iOS7, is available free to iPhone and iPad owners from today.

A Westminster Council spokesperson said: “The streets of Westminster are not camp sites and we can’t allow people to block the streets days in advance. From Thursday, a queuing system with barriers will be in place for anyone wishing to queue for the new iPhone.”

iPhone reviews

iPhone 5s: read the full review here

iPhone 5c: read the full review here