Australian police have warned that inaccuracies in Apple Maps could be "life-threatening". 

The Apple software on the iOS 6 system was universally panned on its release in September with the company CEO admitting the firm has "screwed up". 

It included flaws such as placing an airport in Dublin where there was none.

But now police in the Australian State of Victoria have revealed they have been called to help a number of drivers stranded in searing heat without food or water in Mildura National Park after they had followed the directions of the software.

Tests on the mapping system by police there confirm the system lists Mildura as approximately 70 kilometres away from its actual location.

Stranded for up to 24 hours 

In a statement Victoria State Police say they are extremely concerned as there is no water supply within the park and temperatures can reach as high as 46 degrees, "making this a potentially life threatening issue" the police say.

Some of the motorists located by police have been stranded for up to 24-hours without food or water and have walked long distances through dangerous terrain to get phone reception.

The police have contacted Apple in relation to the issue and "hope the matter is rectified promptly to ensure the safety of motorists travelling to Mildura".

They say anyone travelling to Mildura or other locations within Victoria should rely on other forms of mapping until this matter is rectified.