PEOPLE are catching 'Pokémon' at Martyrs' Memorial and other popular Oxford landmarks after a new app launched in the UK.

Pokémon GO became available this morning, meaning users can view the digital monsters through their smartphone cameras as they walk around.

The app uses GPS on people's mobile phones to track where they go and notifies them when Pokémon, 'Pokéstops' and Pokémon gyms' are nearby, based on real landmarks and buildings.

There are countless locations across Oxford, with Pokémon spotted at several famous university and college buildings, Martyrs' Memorial in St Giles, Blackwells Music Shop in Broad Street, the Ashmolean Museum in Beaumont Street and the Bodelian Library.

A Twitter account for Oxfordshire's most avid players has also been created and even Oxfam and Oxford University staff joined the fun by posting pictures.

Many people eager to play the game had already downloaded it before today by accessing it from other countries, but others got it for the first time today.

Oxford Mail:

Oxford Mail:

  • Above, a Pokémon viewed through a mobile phone camera in Radcliffe Square. Below, the view of St Giles, in Oxford city centre, from Pokémon GO. 

The Oxford Mail tried the app in Oxford city centre and found 17-year-old Max Lawson playing at Martyrs' Memorial, where he had placed a virtual 'lure'.

The device, which lasts 30 minutes, attracts Pokémon in the game - and also other players. 

Max, a former pupil at Oxford City College, said he had walked almost 40km because of the game over three days and spent £80 on optional in-game purchases.

He said: "It's a brilliant game that really gets you out and moving.

"I've been playing it for a few days and have seen loads of other people doing it as well. There are a few I've talked to and added on Facebook."

This week concerns were raised about the app by the NSPCC, which says it may cause children to wander around on their own. Other users in Devon also reported it using a 'Private Shop' in Plymouth as one of its locations.

It was first launched in Australia and New Zealand before overtaking Tinder in the US in popularity, has now appeared on the iOS App Store and Google Play.

Have you downloaded Pokémon GO? Send your thoughts and pictures to us. Here are some people have posted today: