Donald Trump 'asked FBI Director to shut down Flynn investigation'

The Flynn investigation was part of a broader probe into Russian interference in last year's presidential election.

President Donald Trump personally appealed to FBI director James Comey to abandon the bureau's investigation into National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to reports.

The White House issued a furious denial near the end of a tumultuous day. Earlier officials staunchly defended Mr Trump's disclosure of classified information to senior Russian officials.