Former US president leaves hospital

Former US president George HW Bush has been released from a Houston hospital after a stay of about a week following treatment for shortness of breath.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the 90-year-old had left Houston’s Methodist Hospital, was resting at home and was “grateful to the doctors and nurses for their superb care”.

Mr Bush is the oldest living former US president. A week ago he was taken by ambulance to the hospital as a precaution after experiencing shortness of breath.

Two years ago, Mr Bush spent nearly two months at the same hospital for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough and other issues.

He also has a form of Parkinson’s disease that has forced him to use a wheelchair or scooter for mobility.