Following a spate of incidents sparked by the global craze Pokemon Go, UK Power Networks is urging players to be vigilant around electricity substations and overhead power lines.

The augmented reality game uses GPS location services and real-world maps for gamers to search and capture Pokemon characters.

However, the popularity of the game has resulted in a number of unintended incidents, with a driver in Thurrock and one in Basildon being stopped by the police after they were spotted playing the game while driving.

In another incident, an RNLI lifeboat was called out to rescue a group of stranded teenagers at Weston-Super-Mare.

UK Power Networks, which is responsible for supplying power to homes in East Anglia, is appealing for players to look out for “danger of death” signs, warning that ignoring these messages could result in serious injury or death.

Head of safety Peter Vujanic said: “Please watch out for our signage and pay attention to the environment at all times while playing Pokémon Go. If you see someone behaving in a risky way, then please tell them to stop.

“Unlike Pikachu, people are real flesh and blood and electricity poses a real danger of death if it’s not treated with respect. We urge Pokemon Go gamers to play safe this summer.”