Tranquil morning vigil turned into a shocker

I got up just before dawn in Beijing to watch the BBC's coverage of the EU Referendum decision with a cup of Twinings' English breakfast tea at hand.

All seemed becalmed. David Dimbleby, a reassuring presence who has been an anchor of all the broadcaster's election programs since Margaret Thatcher's election victory in 1979, was discussing the latest opinion poll and market, betting that both were forecasting a win for Remain.

Then the result from Newcastle upon Tyne came in and just did not quite fit with the expected outcome.