David Cameron has resigned as prime minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The prime minister, who backed a Remain vote, said Britain required "fresh leadership" to negotiate the country's exit from the EU.

"I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination," he said in a statement outside Downing Street.

He promised to "steady the ship" over the coming months before stepping down in October.

Mr Cameron, flanked by his wife Samantha, said the result was the "will of the British people" which was an "instruction which must be delivered".

Close to tears and with his voice breaking, Mr Cameron said: "I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed."

The referendum, called by Mr Cameron, delivered a shock victory for the Leave campaign.

The Brexit vote immediately sent the pound tumbling and sparked calls for his resignation.

Boris Johnson is the early favourite to replace Mr Cameron.

Mr Cameron's resignation speech in full