Former Arsenal and England footballer Alex Scott has said that she had therapy following online abuse she received last year.

She also said that she hid her feelings from those close to her.

Scott took to Twitter, saying: "Last year I really struggled to cope with the online abuse/trolling I was getting. I kept quite from family/friends and tried to hide it with a smile.

"Feeling low/lonely I went to therapy & continue to do so and it’s the one of the best thing I have ever done."

Her comments follow the tragic news over the weekend that troubled TV presenter Caroline Flack had taken her own life. 

Scott said: "With the news over the weekend I thought it’s important for me to share that there is no shame in going to ask for help.

"Please do not struggle in silence your not alone."

And she added this morning: "Have found it hard to tweet, hearing the news about Caroline Flack the weekend. Love to all her family and friends during this time."