iPhone reseller Carphone Warehouse spoilt the UK launch of Apple's new iPhone 3G S by failing to deliver pre-ordered units to its stores.

While customers could walk in off the street and buy the new iPhone, those who had pre-ordered, paid and gone through contract credit checks were turned away.

At the Islington branch of Carphone Warehouse customers who had pre-ordered the mobile were told that their iPhone would be delivered "between 9am and 5pm", despite promising delivery the evening before for first-thing pick up.

Reports on Twitter suggest the problem is nationwide.

@FodT writes: "Waiting for Carphone Warehouse to deem me worthy to receive an iPhone 3GS. Can't have one from stock because 'mine' is in a van somewhere..."

Carphone Warehouse has been taking pre-orders for the iPhone 3G S both by phone and online for a number of weeks.

Carphone Warehouse was unavailable for comment - its "press and media" phone number "cannot be recognised"...