Controversial video game Grand Theft Auto IV is set to hit UK stores next week.

The latest version of the heavily criticised series has a similar plotline to its previous editions.

Players find themselves in an urban criminal underworld, where they must shoot, rob and kill their way through a fictional New York City.

Stores are preparing for a rush of customers but London's flagship HMV store says it is opening from midnight on Monday to avoid disappointing customers.

Gennaro Castaldo, spokesman for HMV, said: "You have got to have a lot of additional stock because there is no point encouraging people to come along in their hundreds and find that you can't necessarily sell the product.

"We've had such a huge demand for this title."

Industry experts predict that GTA IV will generate $400 million (£201 million) in its first week of sales alone.

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