Hundreds of users are reporting problems with WhatsApp, the cross-platform web and mobile messaging app for smartphones.

The reports of issues have come from across the globe, including users in the UK. It is currently unclear when the service will be back online.

Both the mobile app and the desktop version, WhatsApp Web, are said to be affected, according to users.

Downdetector, a website that gives a realtime overview of issues and outages, has been inundated with complaints about WhatsApp this afternoon (November 4).

Some 83% of the reported issues in the UK relate to users' experience of WhatsApp Web, according to Downdetector. Worldwide, that figure drops slightly to 81%.

Fo fix such glitches, the app, owned by Meta, recommends restarting or updating the application, clearing the cache of WhatsApp Web, or trying a different browser.

People from around the world, including Brazil, the US, Peru, Italy, and Costa Rica have reported similar problems.