A senior editor received “misogynistic and sexually explicit” messages from men while conducting research into the abuse of women journalists.

Rebecca Whittington has revealed that an online form with which reporters were urged to share their experiences of online abuse was hijacked during a call for responses.

Rebecca, who is Reach plc’s online safety editor, teamed up with campaign group Women in Journalism for the study last month.

Hundreds of legitimate responses have now been received and collated for the study and the findings are due to be presented at an event marking International Women’s Day today.

The event can be viewed here.

Rebecca, pictured, posted on Twitter on Monday: “We had more than 400 participants complete the survey – an indicator of just how important this research is.

“That’s a decent number turning up to share their experiences, and significant numbers identified misogyny as a crucial facet of the abuse they receive online.

“Oh, and the survey was used to abuse too – at least two men used the form to spread misogynistic and sexually explicit messaging.

“They are not included in the 400 responses.”

Rebecca went on to criticise comments made on Monday by Twitter owner Elon Musk, who said he had “to admit trolls are kinda fun”.

She added: “Trolling might be ‘kinda fun’ to those people who have around the clock security.

“But for those of us who work in online spaces every day but who also live our lives within the communities we cover, it can be frightening and intimidating. It is not fun.”