Leicestershire Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into abusive tweets about Jamie Vardy's daughter.

The Leicester City striker's fiancee Rebecca Nicholson was subjected to what the footballer described as "shocking and vile" tweets relating to their one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Messages, some of which contained threats of rape, appeared on the social media website after Vardy's partner tweeted a picture of the couple's daughter wearing a Leicester shirt at the King Power Stadium ahead of the Foxes' 1-0 win over Southampton on Sunday.

A statement from the authorities read: "Leicestershire Police is investigating a report of malicious communication being sent via social media.

"A report was made today (Monday, April 4) of an abusive message being received yesterday evening (Sunday, April 3) by a woman on Twitter.

"Enquiries remain ongoing and the force is liaising with Leicester City Football Club."

On the pitch, Vardy and his teammates have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, and will win the title if they claim four victories in their remaining six games.