X Factor 2012: 'mob fears' for boy band Union J

X Factor 2012 favourites Union J were forced to cancel a personal appearance due to security fears.

The boy band had been scheduled for a meet and greet in London's Brent Cross yesterday, but it was cancelled due to an unexpected number of fans turning up. Are they the next One Direction?

After passing the 300,000 followers on Twitter mark, they tweeted: "The info you have BEEN WAITING FOR! #MeetUnionJ at Brent Cross shopping centre, London, TODAY at 6pm! Pass it on!"

The post caught the attention of thousands of teenage girls and #MeetUnionJ quickly topped the worldwide trend list.

Hours later, fans began to post their disappointment at the 'no show' but Union J were quick to respond:

"We are SO sorry, just about to leave BUT the security have told us we r not allowed 2 come as its a security risk. We feel awful. So sorry X."

Hoping to make amends, they tweeted:

"To all u amazing people who turned up we are so overwhelmed for your support..it means the world. Tweet us a pic of u now and we will follow."

An X Factor spokesperson told MSN: "Union J's meet and greet had to be cancelled as the huge number of people there meant it wasn't safe for them to appear."

The source added:

"The boys are gutted they couldn't meet their fans as they were overwhelmed on hearing how many people had turned up. But with so many fans there they were in danger of being mobbed and fans could have been crushed in the crowds."

A reception like that bodes well for Union J's chances of progressing in the competition; could the boys pip Ella Henderson?

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