CROWDS of Pokémon hunters converging on a Mistley hotspot are parking dangerously and leaving a mess, claim disgruntled residents.

The wildly popular Pokémon Go mobile phone game, released in July, has seen thousands of gamers descend on prominent landmarks across the country, seeking virtual monsters.

The game designates landmarks as “Pokéstops” or “Gyms” – places to find rarer versions of the monsters or do battle with other players.

The land around Mistley Towers is one particular hotspot, with residents saying crowds of up to 50 can be seen sat around the nearby war memorial and among gravestones.

More than a dozen cars are often parked along the road near to the junction with New Road.

The parish council has now emailed the game’s developer, Niantic, to ask for the site to be removed as a Pokéstop.

One resident, who lives near to the towers, said: “We are talking between a dozen and 50 people every single night and often late into the night.

“There are also cars parked in dangerous places around the junction.

“Not only is it just an accident waiting to happen, but the place is often littered with rubbish.

“There have been cases of residents getting abuse when confronting them.”

Extra bins and signs addressed directly to players have been put in place around the site by Mistley Parish Council.

Council chairman Martin Rayner said: “It’s a bit of a mixed blessing.

“It is nice to see people out and about, but it is a bit of a nightmare in terms of dangerous parking.

“On behalf of our residents, we have requested it be removed as a location in the game."