THE virtual reality Pokemon Go phone app has become a runaway success since launching in the UK last week, with millions of downloads.

And it seems some players are so enthralled by the game they refuse to even put their phone down while behind the wheel of a car.

An Essex police officer has revealed he pulled over a driver today who was continuing his hunt for Pokemon while driving.

The male driver was spotted by Mr Glensman near Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock.

Mr Glensman said: "I was on patrol in an unmarked police car and pulled up next to a young male driving a Lexus.

"The driver was holding his phone to his steering wheel and I could clearly see the game Pokemon Go being played with the map being displayed.

"The driver tried to say it was his sat nav. I have played the game and knew exactly what I was looking at.

"He was reported for using his mobile phone whilst driving."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A 27-year-old man from East London has been reported for driving whilst using a mobile phone after officers spotted him playing Pokemon Go at the wheel.

"Police on patrol in West Thurrock Way, Thurrock, saw the man playing the game whilst he was driving a silver Lexus on the Lakeside Retail Park.

"He was stopped at 1.10pm and given a ticket. The car was travelling at around 20mph.

"He could have points added to his licence or be told to go on a driver awareness course."