Donald Trump has backed Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore remaining in the election race despite multiple claims of sexual harassment of teenage girls.

Mr Trump believes that “Alabama should take the decision” about their next senator and that Mr Moore should only quit if the allegations are proved.

The comment falls short of other senior Republicans who said they believe the women accusers and have called on Mr Moore to quit immediately.

Nine women have made allegations about Mr Moore’s past behavior, ranging from a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old to making unwanted approaches to High School girls. He has denied the claims in the strongest terms.

Mr Trump has remained largely silent on the row, barring an initial comment saying that no-one should be brought down by unproven allegations but that, if true, Mr Moore should stand down.

The US president declined to comment twice when shouted questions by reporters since he has returned from an Asia trip.

But Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, addressed questions about Mr Trump's stance on Thursday during a press conference.