Donald Trump has apparently used Twitter to alert the FBI to allegations of "electronic surveillance" against him.

The President cited reports by Fox News suggesting he and "people close to" him had been monitored before his nomination as Republican candidate, and tagged @FBI.

The agency's Twitter bio asks users of the social network to submit tips through a dedicated website, tips.fbi.gov.

Mr Trump said: "Such amazing reporting on unmasking and the crooked scheme against us by @foxandfriends. 'Spied on before nomination.' The real story.

".@FoxNews from multiple sources: 'There was electronic surveillance of Trump, and people close to Trump. This is unprecedented.' @FBI".

Fox journalists Malia Zimmerman and Adam Housley reported on Friday that a US intelligence official responsible for "unmasking" people working with Mr Trump was "very high up" in the spy community. The story featured anonymous sources, the use of which Mr Trump has previously criticised.

Mr Housley appeared on Fox News television on Monday to discuss the story, it was reported.

In the past Mr Trump has been staunchly critical of news organisations for using anonymous sources.

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He told the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year: "They make up sources. We have to fight it folks, we have to fight it.