Barr approves US election investigations despite little evidence of fraud

Donald Trump continues to challenge the US election victory of Joe Biden (Steve Helber/AP)

US Attorney General William Barr has authorised federal prosecutors across the country to pursue “substantial allegations” of voting irregularities before the presidential election is certified, despite little evidence of fraud.

Mr Barr’s action comes days after Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump and raises the prospect that Mr Trump will use the Justice Department to try to challenge the outcome.