Grand Theft Auto IV has been leaked online, just days before next Tuesday’s official launch.

A number of Torrent search sites are now listing what appears to be the full Xbox 360 version of the game, which isn’t due for release until 29 April.

Some fans claim to have already downloaded and played the title. One, no doubt ecstatically happy, gamer left a note saying: “I've played it since this morning for approximately five hours. No freezes, no bugs, no problems."

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In-game footage of GTA IV has already cropped up on YouTube. One video shows the main character, Niko Bellic, stealing a car and driving it at the usual breakneck speed across the city.

GTA IV developer Rockstar is keeping mum on the matter, but if the leak’s genuine - and not a virus designed to lure gullible freetards - then it’s bound to tarnish the title’s launch. But Register Hardware doesn’t believe it’ll have too much of an impact on sales - GTA IV is expected by the industry to be the UK's fastest selling videogame yet.

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