Pokemon Go servers have CRASHED as desperate gamers surge outside to play over the weekend

A HACKING group has claimed it brought down the Pokemon Go servers today.

The collective is known as PoodleCorp and claimed it was the reason gamers have been struggling to play the augmented reality app.

Pokemon Go only launched in the UK on Thursday and it’s already a cult hit.

But today users were hit with server problems as they tried to play, with many greeted by the following message: “We are working to resolve the issue. Please try again soon!"

Now Poodlecorp has alleged responsibility on Twitter, claiming to have used a DDOS attack.

This stands for Distributed Denial of Service and it’s when a server is hit with some many requests it can’t respond to them all.

However, app developer Niantic has suggested a hack isn’t to blame.

A message on its website read: “Due to the incredible number of Pokémon GO downloads, some Trainers are experiencing server connectivity issues.

"Don’t worry, our team is on it!”

Pokemon Go sees people desperately trying to capture as many different types of the creatures as possible.

In a true mixing of fantasy and reality, the game beams Pokemon to wherever you are. You then use the app to find them - simple.

Many users had seemingly planned to spent their weekend hunting Pokemon, but earlier today there were reports it was freezing

Some people couldn't even log in , prompting a host of annoyed messages on Twitter.

This account appeared to speak to many of the dissatisfied fans:

The game has been praised for encouraging kids to get outside more.

How else are they going to catch those elusive Pokemon unless they leave the house, after all?

Several Twitter users have joked about just that.

Servers in America are also experiencing problems, with users reporting they've been unable to log on to their accounts and had the game disconnect for no apparent reason.

It's not the first time Pokemon Go has experienced problems.

When it launched in America earlier in July the demand was so massive servers crashed.

The game might be new, but it's already been making headlines around the globe.

We recently reported on a group of teenagers who had to be rescued by a SPECIALIST MINE TEAM after they got lost while hunting out Pokemon in a cave.

Then there was another group of youngsters who were behaving in such an odd way the police were called to investigate.

Turns out they were just attending to find virtual characters in a deserted town centre.

Another woman used the game to capture her boyfriend cheating on her, but the best story has to be the savvy driver who's using the game to cash in.

The unnamed guy charges £15-and-hour to drive addicted gamers around so they can find more Pokemon.