A leading children's charity has called for security features of PokemonGo to be reassessed before the app is released in the UK.

The NSPCC have said it is concerned that "basic safety standards appear to have been overlooked".

The mobile gaming phenomenon has emerged as a global craze after its stunning success in the US, Australia and New Zealand.

In the game, players travel around the real world to capture and train creatures known as Pokemon.

The NSPCC is concerned that offenders could target unsuspecting children by using the app's geolocation feature.

Peter Wanless, the charity's chief executive, has written to its developer Niantic, and said: "I urge you to urgently reassess your app and its security and safety features.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure that children are protected and as creators of a game with substantive reach, you have a weighty responsibility to protect your young users."

The release date for PokemonGo has not yet been confirmed.