A senior member of Donald Trump's campaign has been accused of threatening staff with a loaded gun in the latest blow to the billionaire's White House bid.

According to a legal case Earl Phillip, Mr Trump's campaign director in the key state of North Carolina, pointed a .45 Colt at employees but was never admonished.

Vincent Bordini, described in the case as a "dedicated and loyal Trump staffer", claimed he had a loaded pistol shoved into his leg with the safety catch off while in a car with Mr Phillip.

Mr Bordini, a software engineer who is suing for assault and battery, claimed he was one of five staff members threatened, and that he was "terrified'.