A stunt to promote a new video game, caused mass disruption this morning after drivers, were given free petrol for their vehicles.

The video game, called ‘Mercenaries 2, World in Flames’ allows players to take on the role of a Mercenary in Venezuela and uses petrol as its currency.

The video game producer, Electronic Arts (EA) gave away £20,000 worth of petrol to drivers, at the Last Stop, petrol station, situated near Finsbury Park in North London and gave drivers £40 worth of fuel for their tanks. However the stunt, which began at 6.30 am this morning resulted in major gridlock and led to an even greater amount of rush hour traffic in the area.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Lynne Featherstone, said: "Trying to recreate Venezuelan-style fuel riots on the streets of London is completely irresponsible and downright dangerous.

"Whilst a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning. They deserve an apology for being the victims of such an ill-thought out media stunt."

In related news, the AA insurance, a car insurance provider has called for drivers to be aware of fuel thefts, which are affecting many drivers in the UK.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: “We have noticed an increase in reports of catalytic converter thefts as well as thefts of fuel. This is a new crime causing resulting from high fuel and scrap metal values. It causes considerable inconvenience and expense for innocent motorists. Thieves work quickly and carelessly, sometimes causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage."