Singer Morrissey has cancelled two shows in the US due to a “credible threat on his life”. The former Smiths singer, 66, was due to perform at gigs in Connecticut and Massachusetts but has cancelled both out of “abundance of caution”. On Facebook, an official statement was posted on his account on Friday evening, which said: “In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrissey’s life. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and audience, tonight’s engagement at Foxwoods has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding.” Morrissey is due to appear at a gig in Philadelphia next Tuesday.

Express Online has contacted Morrissey’s representatives for further comment. The British songwriter gained fame in the 1980s as a member of The Smiths but later achieved solo success. He is currently on a huge tour and recently headlined CityFolk music festival in Ottawa, Canada.

Fans have flocked to the comments section to share messages of support. One person typed, ” I’m very happy they’re taking those precautions. Please stay safe, M and Band.”

A second person also commented: “Omg, stay safe, Morrisey, the band, and fans. I get that a lot of people will be naffed off as the gigs were cancelled. I am honestly gutted for you all, but his safety is a priority, and also the fans attending.”

Another devastated fan said: “Why?!?! I finally have a great ticket:(.” A loyal fan also chimed in: “Sad-making. My friends and I were looking forward to this.”

Another heartbroken fan said: “Sad the show is cancelled. Sad this is happening to Moz. Sad at the state of the world.”

The cancellation comes a week after a 26-year-old Ottawa man was arrested and charged with making threats to Morrissey on the social app Blue Sky. Despite the alleged threat, Morrissey went on to perform at the festival, though festival organisers declined to comment on the incident, according to Yahoo! News.

It is not known if Morrissey received further threats or if the cancellation came out of an abundance of caution due to the already posted social media comments. Tickets are reportedly being refunded automatically.