Hundreds of Apple users around the world have reported the Safari web browser has been crashing on Wednesday.

Large numbers of people took to Twitter to complain the browser was closing when they tried to use the app's search bar to browse the internet.

User Thom O'Neil was one of hundreds to report the problem: "Safari on my iPhone crashes every time I try and type in the search bar," he wrote.

"Have deleted data etc and updated iOS but still does it."

A number of people have suggested that turning off the "Safari suggestions" can fix the problem.

Safari is Apple's own-web browsing app that comes pre-installed on iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.

It remains unclear whether the issue is linked to a software update released earlier this week by the firm.

Apple is yet to comment on the problem.