Instagram accounts are being mysteriously shut down by a bug

'We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible'

Some users say the app tells them to enter their phone number and wait for a security code, which they then aren’t receiving (Getty Images)

Instagram users are complaining that their accounts appear to have been deleted for no apparent reason.

The photo-sharing app’s Twitter and Facebook pages are being bombarded with messages from users who have lost access to their accounts and are unable to log in to them.

The affected users’ Instagram accounts look as if they’ve been deleted, with the message “Sorry, this page isn't available” appearing on them.

Instagram is aware of the problem, and says “a bug” is to blame.

“We’re aware of a bug that's causing some users to be logged out of their accounts,” it announced on Twitter. “We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

The company has also assured users that their accounts and pictures haven’t been lost.

“No accounts have been deleted,” the company told the Independent.

It also says that "a very small percentage" of users have been affected.

Some users say the app is telling them to enter their phone number and wait for a security code, which they then aren’t receiving.

Others are reporting that the app says their account “has been disabled for violating [Instagram’s] terms”.

Earlier this week, Instagram shut down reality TV personality Rob Kardashian’s account, after he posted explicit photos of his former fiancée.

“We value maintaining a safe and supportive space for our community and we work to remove reported content that violates our guidelines,” the company said.