England's Ashley Young leaves the Team hotel today in Krakow PIC: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Police have mounted a probe into alleged racist abuse flung at black England footballers on Twitter in the aftermath of last night’s Euro 2012 defeat to Italy.

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

Both players fluffed their spot-kicks during a tense penalty shoot-out, which consigned England to yet another Quarter Final defeat in competition.

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.”