Police launch investigation into alleged racist abuse of England's Ashley Cole and Ashley Young on Twitter

Ashley Cole and Ashley Young failed to convert their penalties (GETTY IMAGES)

Police have launched an investigation into the online racist abuse of two of England's black football stars after they missed penalty kicks at Euro 2012.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Manchester United winger Ashley Young were singled out for abuse on Twitter by one user.

In a series of offensive postings the user goaded others who criticised him for his rants.

In one post the tweeter wrote: "All I got to say is this was just a joke, you guys need to relax, police know i was kiddin around and they won't bother me hopefully, cheers."

Another said: "The police won't bother me mate i can assure you that."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter following last night's England game and have launched an investigation.

"The allegation was made to MPS on 25 June by a member of the public relating to comments on a Twitter account supposedly based in London.

"No arrests at this early stage.

"The MPS is examining possible offences under Section 18/19 Public Order Act 1986."

Student Liam Stacey, 21, from Pontypridd, South Wales, was jailed for 56 days in March after racially abusing two Twitter users and mocking Bolton footballer Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed and almost died.

Stacey, who was in the final semester of his three-year biology degree when he drunkenly sent his offensive and now infamous tweets, was also banned from Swansea University for the rest of the year.

He admitted racially aggravated public disorder after posting: "LOL (laugh out loud).

"F*** Muamba.

"He's dead!!!"

PA