Facebook users are reporting issues with the app and website this evening.

The social media platform appeared to stop working for some users involving problems with the search function, friends lists and photos tab named among others.

DownDetector is reporting hundreds of complaints as social media users struggle to access their feed and navigate their account.

Facebook server status

The Downdetector website shows a spike in reported outages from around 6pm, compared to the typical volume of reports.

The most reported issues are with the app (66%), the website (23%) and the feed (11%).

According to comments on the website, similar issues have arisen a number of times within the last few days.

Two days ago, Becky, wrote: "When I try to open the app it instantly closes and tells me Facebook has a bug and tells me to try again later, then when I do try again I have to login and go through the 2 step authentication, just for it to close!"

Four days ago, Libby Jay, said: "Just updated the app,keeps crashing....what a surprise.....not."

Facebook search not working

One issue which seems to have affected a number of users is the search function not working.

Taking to Twitter, Dorereeek, wrote: "Is Facebook down? The photos button is gone and the search button is not functioning."

While Josh Starmer wrote: "Is Facebook’s search feature down or is it just me? The only thing I ever use Facebook for is stalking people’s profiles and I can’t even do that."

Issues are being reported from Dundee down to Plymouth and most areas in between, with major cities such as London, Glasgow and Birmingham particular hotspots.