Two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray was the subject of Twitter abuse after he appeared to declare his support for Scottish independence.

Prior to yesterday's referendum, the tennis star, who grew up in Dunblane, Stirling, tweeted: "Huge day for Scotland today! no campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. excited to see the outcome. lets do this!"

In response to his message, Murray received a barrage of abuse, with one Twitter user writing: "Wish you had been killed at Dunblane. Your life will be a misery from now on."

Scotland assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins is reported by BBC News as saying: "People who put abuse such as this online should be utterly ashamed of themselves for making such vile, disgusting and distasteful comments. We are monitoring social media and where appropriate will take action against those involved."

Murray, who was born in Glasgow, was not allowed to vote in yesterday's referendum as he has been living in Surrey for a number of years.

Scotland voted no to independence.