James Comey has been fired as Director of the FBI by Donald Trump.

The news was announced by the White House on Tuesday.

A statement read: "Today, President Donald J. Trump informed FBI Director James Comey that he has been terminated and removed from office."

"President Trump acted based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions."

A search for a new director has already commenced, the White House said.

The statement added: "The FBI is one of our Nation's most cherished and respected institutions and today will mark a new beginning for our crown jewel of law enforcement."