Shock and condemnation after Trump questions Nato commitments

Alarm and condemnation erupted from European capitals, the White House and leaders of Donald Trump's own party after the Republican presidential nominee suggested the United States might abandon its Nato military commitments if he were elected president.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who backed Mr Trump at the party's national convention only two days earlier, said he totally disagreed with the statement but was willing to "chalk it up to a rookie mistake".