Donald Trump has claimed it is safer to live in some war zones than it is in some US inner cities. 

Speaking at an event in Ohio, Mr Trump said: “You can go to war zones in countries that we are fighting and it is safer than living in some of our inner cities that are run by the Democrats.

“We’ll get rid of the crime. You’ll be able to walk down the street without getting shot. Right now, you walk down the street, you get shot.”

Mr Trump was speaking 'off script' during a speech that also called for a special investigator to be appointed to investigate any potential links between the Clinton Foundation and the US State Department.

Repeating his comments from several speeches and interviews over the last week, he again accused Hillary Clinton of "bigotry" and appealed directly to African-American and Latino voters.

He said: "I’ve asked in recent days, what do you have to lose by trying something new? If you keep voting for the same failed politicians you will keep getting the same results.

"But, most importantly, I want to talk about what you have to gain. Those hurting in our county have so much to gain by joining our campaign for a new, and more inclusive, American Future."

Responding to Mr Trump's comments, the Clinton campaign released a statement accusing the Republican of "doubling down on insults, fear and stereotypes".

The statement adds: "This is a man who questions the citizenship of the first African American president, has a disturbing pattern of courting white supremacists, and has been sued for housing discrimination against communities of color.

“As demonstrated by his bigotry and actions, Donald Trump is unfit and unqualified to be President."