Reactions to the stunning scenes from Washington continue to stream in from around the globe.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed to see news about rioting and violence” in Washington and urged the “peaceful transfer of power must continue”.

New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern tweeted that "democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully - should never be undone by a mob".

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also called on Trump supporters to "stop trampling on democracy".

"The enemies of democracy will be pleased to see these incredible images from Washington DC. Inflammatory words turn into violent actions."