Controversial presidential nominee Donald Trump shocked the world by winning the US presidential election in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The Republican candidate swept to victory in key swing states including Florida to beat Democrat rival Hillary Clinton, despite countless polls predicting his defeat.

Members of the public waiting in anticipation in all US states - and around the world - watched on through the night as the results of one of the most contentious elections to date began to roll in.

The US Presidential Election night in pictures

(Reuters)

With election night underway, Clinton supporters watch on despairingly at her election night rally in Manhattan as the results come in.

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A crowd watches elections returns at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

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Meanwhile, supporters of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump cheer during the election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown.

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Trump supporters celebrate in New York as the results roll in.

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A long night sets in for Clinton supporters at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

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In Seoul, South Korea, groups of people gather to watch the US presidential results come in.

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A trump supporter pauses to take a selfie amid high tension at Trump's election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown

Donald Trump (not pictured) at his 2016 US presidential Election Night event, as votes continue to be counted at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York (EPA)

The Republican Party gains seats and Trumpsupporters celebrate as the party heads towards victory

Jake Viano jumps in the air as President-elect Donald Trump gives his acceptance speech at the Colorado Republican election night party Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in Greenwood Village, Colorado (AP)

Jake Viano jumps in the air as President-elect Donald Trump gives his acceptance speech at the Colorado Republican election night party

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