Social networking site Twitter has issued new rules to help clamp down on abusive behaviour. The company has updated its rules to clarify that it does not tolerate abusive behaviour. "We want people to feel safe on Twitter, and we want the Twitter Rules to send a clear message to anyone who thought that such behaviour was, or could ever be, acceptable," said Del Harvey, Twitter Senior Director, Trust and Safety.

Twitter introduced an in-Tweet report button in the latest version of the iOS Twitter app and on the mobile web. Rather than going to Twitter's Help Centre to file an abuse report, users can report abusive behaviour directly from a Tweet. Starting next month, this button will also be available in our Android app and on Twitter.com.

Twitter will also work with the UK Safer Internet Centre to expand its user resources on digital citizenship and staying safe online. The Twitter platform ? including Promoted Tweets and a Promoted Trend ? will also be used to bring more attention to the important resources the UK Safer Internet Centre has developed and the ongoing work they are doing.

Extra staff have also been put in place to handle reports of abuse, Twitter said.

The move comes after police revealed they were investigating allegations by eight people of abuse or threatening behaviour on the site. Three female journalists said they had been the subject of bomb threats on the site, while an MP and a campaigner received threats of rape.