Pokemon Go
© AP photo/Richard Vogel
Specialist mine rescue teams were scrambled after four teenagers got lost in a cave while hunting for Pokémon.

The group headed into the underground network of tunnels to play Pokémon Go, the location-based augmented reality mobile phone game.

But they lost their way in Boxfields Caves, near Corsham, Wiltshire, and were forced to wander around until they found enough signal to call 999.

Three fire crews and two rope units enlisted the help of a key holder - who has access to a locked part of the cave - to help find the children and lead them to safety on Thursday evening.

The tunnels, near MoD Corsham, are understood to be part of an abandoned potential emergency relocation site for the British government in the event of nuclear attack.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service warned people to stay out of the tunnels, which reach depths of up to 120ft, unless they have a proper map and guide.

A fire service spokesman said on Friday: "The crews were able to assist the key holder with leading four teenagers to safety. They had apparently been in the caves looking for Pokemon.

"The tunnels are open to the public, but some of the areas are locked off because some of them go close to areas used by the MoD.

"We are advising people not to go into the caves unless you know what you are doing, you've got a map and you've got an experienced guide with you.

"The call [for help] came from the children themselves. They had got lost. I'm not 100 per cent sure how, but they got to a point where they had some mobile signal to call us to come and find them.

"They were given the information I have just given - do not to go into the caves unless you know what you are doing, you've got a map and you've got an experienced guide with you."


Comment: It's hard for information to penetrate when you're in virtual reality.


Meanwhile, a teenager thought to have been playing Pokémon Go was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the road.

The boy, in his mid teens, was struck by the bike in a busy road on Thursday after walking out between two buses.

Officers from the Met Police and paramedics from the London Ambulance service were called to Bexleyheath, south-east London, at 3.35pm on Thursday.

The young boy suffered minor injuries and was taken to a south London hospital.

Witnesses to the collision said the teen was playing the game when he was hurt. However, the Met Police could not confirm this.

It follows a series of warnings issued by police forces across the country about the dangers of getting engrossed in Pokemon, which was only launched in the UK on Thursday morning.

On Friday, British Transport Police issued a warning about users playing the game at train stations and running the risk of falling onto tracks.

It followed warnings from Derbyshire Police and Greater Manchester Police that criminals could target people playing the game.

Officers from Richmond Police also warned users to "play safe" when signed in.

The light-hearted safety message said: "Always be aware of your surroundings. That Pikachu will not expect you to run in the road, and Squirtle won't want you to swim in the Thames.

"Don't be a Drowzee and walk around with your head in a daze - always be aware of people who may be watching you to steal your phone or Charmander.

"Don't pokemon and drive. That egg won't hatch if you're driving. Remember it's onyx-acceptable and if you're caught - you risk a £100 fine and 3 points on your licence."
Pokémon Go | The risks of playing the game

Robberies or abduction

A group of 11 youngsters were robbed in in Missouri after criminals sent a beacon to a secluded area by using the game's location technology to create a signal at a "Pokéstop" - a location that players can visit to replenish in-game supplies. Fears are now building that the game could be used by paedophiles to lure children into remote areas.

Personal injury

A number of players have reported injuring themselves while using the game. The main concerns here involve children not looking as they cross the road and wandering away from their parents into hazardous locations where they may hurt themselves.

Nasty findings

In the US, trying to catch Pokemon led a teenager to a dead body in a river.

Data theft

Fake versions of the game are designed by criminals who want to steal people's data, experts are warning. Consumers who download versions containing malware risk the entire contents of their phone being stolen.