HILLARY Clinton accused Donald Trump of racism as the US presidential candidates clashed in their first head-to-head debate in the race to the White House.

The Democrat and Republican rivals squared off in a 90-minute debate at Hofstra University in New York, which was screened to tens of millions of television viewers in America and live-streamed across the world.

During a number of fiery exchanges, Mr Trump claimed he had a "better temperament" than Mrs Clinton and accused her of not having the "stamina" to be president.

Mrs Clinton said Mr Trump had started his political career with a "racist lie" after he falsely suggested President Barack Obama was born outside of America.

"He has a long record of engaging in racist behaviour," she said.

Mrs Clinton also criticised the billionaire tycoon's comments about women, adding: "This is a man who has called women pigs, slobs and dogs."

Discussing the fight against Isis, Mr Trump attacked Mrs Clinton for revealing her plan to tackle the extremist group on her website.

"You're telling the enemy everything you want to do. No wonder you've been fighting Isis your entire life," he said.

The candidates also addressed Mr Trump's refusal to release his tax returns, with the Republican insisting he would publish them against his lawyers' advice if Mrs Clinton releases the 33,000 deleted emails from her private server.

His comments prompted cheers from sections of the audience, with moderator Lester Holt having to remind those watching to remain quiet.

To read more, click here.