Sherlock season finale illegally leaked online before airing on television

Creators of show urge fans not to share the last episode

The main cast of Sherlock (BBC)

The season finale of the current season of Sherlock has been illegally leaked online.

According to the show's producer, a "Russian version" of the final episode of season four was uploaded to internet websites - days before it was due to air on television on Sunday evening.

The creators of the show are urging fans not to share the leaked version and to keep the finale "spoiler free".

“"Russian version of #Sherlock TFP has been illegally uploaded. Please don't share it. You've done so well keeping it spoiler free. Nearly there," Sue Vertue, the show's producer, said.

Sherlock's official Twitter account said it was "aware" of the leak.

“We are aware that #Sherlock episode 3 has been uploaded illegally online. If you come across it, please do not share it. #KeepMeSpoilerFree,” the account tweeted.

A special screening of the finale was shown to journalists and critics on Thursday but the final four minutes were omitted.

The final episode is set to air on Sunday 15 January at 9pm GMT on BBC One and more than 300 cinemas across the country will be screening the finale as it is broadcast on TV.

The show is based on the novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson.