Trump accuses Democrats of political ‘witch hunt’ as business empire faces criminal investigation

Prosecutors in New York have convened a grand jury to decide whether to indict former US president Donald Trump on criminal charges.

They say the jury will consider evidence gathered during investigations into Mr Trump’s business dealings and the alleged payment of hush money to women on his behalf.

The decision to convene a grand jury appears to indicate that the Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance hopes to move towards bringing charges as a result of his two-year investigation.

Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing, alleging a political witch hunt.