Tyra Banks, host and executive producer of America's Next Top Model, has said she created the show to counter stereotypes of beauty. (Peter Kramer/Associated Press)

Three people were arrested and six injured in New York on Saturday afternoon when an audition lineup for America's Next Top Model turned into a brawl.

Thousands of women had been waiting overnight outside the Park Central New York hotel for a shot at stardom on the hit television reality show created and hosted by former supermodel Tyra Banks when the chaos broke out.

Two people were taken to hospital, but four others refused treatment.

Police cancelled the day's auditions but said they didn't know what started the outbreak. The CW network, which airs the show, said it was working with police to investigate what had happened.

Two women and a man were arrested on charges of inciting to riot and disorderly conduct.

Reports said matters were made worse when a man charged into the crowd attempting to steal handbags.

The street outside the hotel was littered with shoes and clothing from people who had tried to escape the melee.

Banks, who is also the show's executive producer, has said she created the show to counter stereotypes about beauty. The current auditions were open only to women no taller than five feet, seven inches tall, which is shorter than the industry's conventions.

Tryouts are being held around the U.S. this month.

With files from the Associated Press