Donald Trump has denied reports that he ordered the firing of Robert Mueller, the special investigator heading the inquiry into Russian collusion.

The New York Times claims that the president was poised to sack Mueller in June but was forced to back down when the White House counsel threatened to resign rather than carry out his order.

This morning in Davos, Mr Trump dismissed the reports as "fake news". As he arrived for his much-anticipated speech he told reporters: "Fake news. Fake news. Typical New York Times. Fake stories."

Mr Trump is known to have been infuriated by the appointment of Mr Mueller as special counsel, tasked with investigating allegations of Russian meddling in the US election. He has strenuously denied any Russian interference in the election, and sees the investigation as an attempt to challenge his credibility as elected president.