Facebook messenger and Instagram down for users across UK and Europe

Social media users from across the UK and Europe reported issues with accessing Facebook, Instagram and messenger.

Down Detector recorded a spike in reported issues at around 9am on Thursday.

A Facebook spokesperson said the social media platform would work to get things back to normal “as quickly as possible”.

It later provided an update in the afternoon to say the issues had been resolved.

“The issue has been resolved and we apologise for any inconvenience,” said the spokesperson.

Monitoring service WebSitePulse said users from all around the world were experiencing “trouble sending and receiving messages” on Facebook.

Frustrated social media users took to Twitter to share their difficulties with accessing the social media platforms.

Many users said they were faced with a message that says the app is “waiting for network”.

One Twitter user wrote: "Is Facebook Messenger down? I cannot send and receive messages!"

Earlier a Facebook spokesperson told the Evening Standard: "We are aware that some people are having trouble sending messages on Messenger, Instagram and Workplace Chat.

"We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.”