Asian shares are down as traders watch UK referendum vote

Asian shares head lower as traders across Asia keep a close eye on the results from the British referendum on whether to leave the European Union.

After initial gains, Japan's Nikkei 225 tumbled 3.1% to 15,742.40.

The yen jumped higher to stand at 101.00 to the dollar, having been as low as 106.81 at one stage earlier in the day.

The currency is seen as a safe haven and is expected to strengthen if the UK were to leave the European Union.

In South Korea, the Kospi index was 2% lower at 1,945.21.

Australia's ASX/200 fell sharply by 3% to 5,122.40 points.
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In China, the mainland Shanghai Composite was down 1.3% to 2,853.79 while Hong Kong's Hang Seng is down 3.3% to 20,189.23.