Internet trolls target newlyweds

A newlywed couple have been targeted by internet trolls after they joined a campaign against the Government's gay marriage proposals.

Campaign group Coalition for Marriage (C4M) said Rhys and Esther Curnow, both 23, have been subjected to a torrent of abuse on Facebook and Twitter.

C4M, which is a coalition of groups opposed to plans for same-sex marriage, backed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, said the messages included deaths threats.

One Facebook message said: "I really hope you & your husband turn out infertile & die of cancer. That would be something to celebrate."

Another, on Twitter, said: "Did Esther Curnow suffocate and die a sad and lonely death in her polyester wedding dress yet? No? Shame...."

And a further tweet said: "Esther Curnow needs a punch in the face. That is all."

C4M said one troll urged others to send excrement to the couple, who married in March and live in Newcastle.

They have also been told to "Go and die and rot in hell".

The group said the hate campaign began after Mr and Mrs Curnow took part in the presentation of a C4M petition to Downing Street last week. They posed outside the famous front door in their wedding outfits.

The petition opposing proposals for gay marriage has 575,000 signatories.