Trump sweeps five states, Clinton increases her lead
Republican hopeful Donald Trump has won presidential primaries in all five US states that voted on Tuesday, while Democrat rival Hillary Clinton triumphed in four out of five
Maverick businessman turned politician Donald Trump swept all five presidential primaries held on Tuesday, strengthening his grip on the Republican race, while Democrat Hillary Clinton raced ahead of rival Bernie Sanders.
Trump demolished his rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island - a stunning show of force by a candidate seen as a populist political saviour by millions despite being loathed by the party establishment.
"I consider myself the presumptive nominee," the real estate mogul told a crowd at Trump Tower in New York, despite still being short of the 1,237 delegates required to win the nomination outright.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's over."
Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton won in four states: Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
Trump and Clinton were expected to do well in Tuesday's five contests, which also included Rhode Island where Democrat rival Bernie Sanders won.
The Vermont senator won in Rhode Island and vowed to fight to the end of the primaries process.
Speaking at the Philadelphia Convention Center after securing the four other states, Clinton said her campaign was setting "bold, progressive goals" to improve lives in the US.
"We believe in the goodness of our people and the greatness of our nation," she said.
