Donald Trump has suggested his microphone was not working properly during a heated presidential debate that could reshape the 2016 campaign for the White House.

During a visit to the media spin room after clashing with Hillary Clinton at the Hofstra University event, Mr Trump was initially asked about the moderator Lester Holt.

The Republican candidate replied that he thought Mr Holt "was fine", before claiming they "gave me a defective mic".

"Did you notice that? My mic was defective within the room," Mr Trump insisted.

He went on to suggest it was done on purpose. "I wonder. Was that on purpose? Was that on purpose? I had a mic that wasn't working properly..."