Gmail down: Google restores email service after major outage

Gmail users across the world were unable to access their emails after Google’s hugely popular service was hit by a mystery outage this morning.

Downdetector, which tracks the status of websites in real-time, received “thousands of reports” at about 11am of users being unable to login or even access the website, The Sun says.

Disgrunted Gmail account holders posted complaints on social media in which they described getting an “Error 404” message, which means that a site cannot be reached.

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As well as the UK, the issue was reported across Europe, Africa and parts of Asia.

The London Evening Standard reported that staff for whom Gmail was the main email work platform would “probably have to take the rest of the day off”.

However, Google sorted the fault shortly after it was discovered.

“The problem with Gmail should be resolved,” said a spokesperson for the internet giant. “We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and continued support.

“Please rest assured that system reliability is a top priority at Google and we are making continuous improvements to make our systems better.”