Paul Merson reveals he almost quit social media after receiving vile death threats targeting his family - and regrets not telling the police with one sick message threatening to 'throw my wife in the canal and kill my kids'

Paul Merson has revealed his anguish at receiving vile death threats directed at his family - and admitted he almost quit social media altogether as a result.

The Arsenal and Aston Villa legend was subjected to the sickening abuse on Instagram six months ago.

Merson says he regrets not informing the police after one chilling message targeted his wife, Kate, and children.

He said, via the Daily Star: 'I had an atrocious one a while ago for saying that Manchester United wouldn't win the league with Anthony Martial up front.