US accuses Russia of cyber attacks

US officials have formally accused Russia of cyber attacks against political organisations in order "to interfere with the US election".

Recent hacked emails are "consistent with the methods and motivation of Russia-directed efforts," the Department of Homeland Security said.

Some states have seen "scanning and probing" attempts made on their "election-related" systems, it added.

A number of embarrassing emails have come to light during the 2016 campaign.