Police called to casting for Idris Elba film after huge crowds show up

An open casting call for a film directed by Idris Elba was shut down after so many people turned up that the police had to be called in.

The actor put up a post on his Instagram page saying he was looking for paid extras in his new film, and asking people to come to a community centre in Hoxton to meet the crew.

The event started at 4pm yesterday, but by 6pm the crowds had become so large that the police were called to help and organisers decided to abandon the event.

Hopeful fans who had turned up to the casting posted pictures of the huge queues, with many complaining they had waited for hours outside before being told the event had been called off.

Police said organisers made the decision to close the event early after talking with officers. While the casting was taking place, the actor recorded a video online thanking fans and saying the response had been 'unbelievable', but warned anyone else against coming down. He said people who still wanted to be involved should instead e-mail a headshot and a few lines about themselves and promised that they would all be looked at.