Trump and Biden score early wins but battleground states are too close to call

Biden-Harris and Trump-Pence supporters in Texas (Ronald W. Erdrich/The Abilene Reporter-News via AP)

Polls have closed across the United States’ east coast after an epic election campaign fought between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

The night opened with predictable victories for each candidate, with Mr Trump taking states including Louisiana and North Dakota and Mr Biden’s haul including New York and Virginia, a former battleground that has become a Democratic stronghold.