DHAKA: The first results in the UK’s referendum on whether to remain in the European Union are coming in.

After results in 15 counting areas out of 382, Remain was on 48.5 percent and Leave on 51.5 percent with Leave doing well in the North-East of England and Remain ahead in Scotland, reports the BBC.

A full picture is not expected for some hours but turnout looks set to be higher than for the general election.

The pound surged as polls closed before falling dramatically.

Unlike at a general election the results in individual areas do not count - it is the overall number of votes cast for one side or the other across the country that will determine the outcome.

Polling expert Prof John Curtice said at this very early stage Leave looked favourite to win the referendum. He estimates that the finishing post for one side to win is 16,813,000 votes.

The pound surged against the dollar when polls closed at 22:00 BST and opinion polls pointed towards a Remain win but it fell dramatically when the first results were declared.
** Counting underway in UK referendum on Brexit

BDST: 0741 HRS, JUN 24, 2016
SR