Trump fires FBI director James Comey over Clinton email investigation

In a bid to sweep away the man who is responsible for an investigation into whether members of Donald Trump's campaign team colluded with Russia in its interference in last year's elections, the United States President has fired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey.

In a signed letter, Trump informed Comey that he was "hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately," explaining that he reached the conclusion that Comey was "not able to effectively lead the bureau," CNN reports.

"It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust and confidence in its vital law enforcement mission," the letter added.

"I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours."

The White House said that Comey was fired based on the clear recommendations of both Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

In a separate letter, Rosenstein argued that it was his transgressions over the Clinton email investigation that were the cause of his dismissal, while laying out the reasons for Comey's firing.

Comey was also accused of attempting to "usurp the attorney general's authority" by publicly announcing why he felt the case should be closed without prosecution.