Brexit referendum: 'What happens if we leave the EU' sees 250% spike in UK Google search

EU Referendum chief counting officer Jenny Watson announcing that polling has closed at Manchester Town Hall on June 23, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

As the polls closed on Britain's historic referendum on whether to leave or stay in the European Union, anxious voters have turned to the Internet to learn more about the potential ramifications.

Google reported a 250 per cent surge for searches on "what happens if we leave the EU" over a one-hour period in UK on Friday (June 24) morning, as the Leave camp posts a strong showing in early results.

On average, the term "leave" has garnered significantly more traction than "remain" in that time.

Google noted search interest in "EU referendum result odds" had spiked by a whopping 800 per cent over the past day.

Singapore ranked seventh among countries for searches on the British currency since voting ended. Gibraltar and UK took the top two spots.

The sterling had collapsed as far as US$1.4300 at one stage in wild trade, having earlier stretched to a high for the year at US$1.5022.

Among the top "What if..." searches since the announcement of the first results were "What if we leave the EU?", "What if the EU referendum is a draw?" and "What if Brexit wins?".

In Singapore, #EUReferendum, "Remain", "Britain" and "London" were trending on Twitter on Friday morning.

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