Online trolls who set up false profiles in the name of their victims to post unpleasant or embarrassing material can now face criminal charges, under new guidelines bring drawn up for prosecutors.

Under the new advice, the Crown Prosecution Service will be able to pursue charges such as grossly offensive communication or harassment.

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said there had been a rise in the number of cases of internet-enabled abuse, particularly aimed at women and girls.

The proposed revisions will be opened for a six-week public consultation.

They also include the two new criminal offences of revenge pornography and controlling or coercive behaviour" within relationships.

"Offenders can mistakenly think that by using false online profiles and creating websites under a false name their offences are untraceable," Ms Saunders added.

"Thankfully this is not the case and an online footprint will be left by the offender."