Counting begins in EU referendum

Polls have closed in the referendum that will decide whether the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union.

Counting has begun at centres across the UK and in Gibraltar in a vote that has been too close to call in recent opinion polls, although market sentiment in recent days has given a small margin to Remain.

The polling stations in Gibraltar were the first to close, as the British Overseas Territory is an hour ahead of Britain on Spanish time.

Officials in the territory have pointed to a voter turnout of 84%, against a 74% turnout in the Gibraltar Parliament election last year.

An online survey of 5,000 people, taken on polling day by YouGov, suggested the Remain side getting 52% of the vote.

Vocal Leave supporter, UKIP leader Nigel Farage, has told Sky News it “looks like Remain will edge it.”

The first results of the referendum are likely to be announced in the early hours of the morning, with the final results expected around breakfast time.