Donald Trump wins race for White House

Trump - PA

Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the election to become president of the United States of America.

Global markets fell as his victory in Wisconsin pushed him over the winning marker of 270 electoral college votes needed to win over Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who had faced a court case on a rape charge on the 13 December until the case was dropped three days ago, will become the 45th US president.

After a divisive campaign which saw both candidates accuse each other of criminal behaviour, Trump told his victory rally: "It is time for us to come together as one united people."

Key Democrat strongholds like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin backed the former reality TV star, while the Republicans also strengthened their hold on the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Ahead of the election Scotland's political leaders had backed Hillary Clinton.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, who had travelled to America to campaign for the former First Lady, described the result as "dismal".

European Parliament President Martin Schulz called Donald Trump's victory a "protest vote", comparing it to Britain's vote to leave the EU.