A troll Twitter account has used the social media site to advertise abusive messages to transgender people.

The fake account under the handle @caitlin_roperr has since been suspended.

The account pretended to be that of Australian feminist and activist Caitlin Roper.

The troll account then paid for an advertising campaign on the service.

One promoted tweet said: "Trannies, getting surgery won't change your gender. It will only turn you into a deformed freak. End your miserable existence. Kill yourself."

It is likely to have showed up on hundreds or even thousands of accounts.

Advertising campaigns on Twitter must be linked to a valid credit card, meaning it should be easy for Twitter to track down those responsible.

Ms Roper has issued the following tweet in relation to the fake account:

Hi friends, someone has created a Twitter account impersonating me and tweeting hateful comments. Account suspended, thanks for your help x

— Caitlin Roper (@caitlin_roper) May 20, 2015