Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has hit out at protests by pro-Trump supporters in Washington last night.

The protests saw four dead, including a woman shot dead by police, as protesters stormed Capitol Hill.

This followed a mass gathering of Trump supporters nearby who had earlier heard an address from the president.

Mrs Kearns said on social media: "Those who purport to uphold democracy do no such thing when as a mob they deploy violence and chase down those whose job it is to protect the laws and democracy of a nation.

"It is very difficult not to conclude it was a political decision to under-police the protest today.

"Democracy is precious, and the scenes in Capitol Hill are a product of divisive politics, contempt for legal values and the daily erosion of democratic structures.

"When you propagate disdain for the arms of the nation state and arm people with disinformation, you empower hatred and violence.

"But every individual on the Hill is responsible for their personal actions and decisions today. As is President Trump, who should immediately confirm his intention to step aside, call for the mob to respect the police and the legislature, leave the Hill and respect the election result."

The protests represent a climax to President Trump and his supporters repeatedly challenging the result of the November election, claiming a range of irregularities and fraud, particularly in swing states.

His allegations, which have been dismissed by authorities, follow on from a year of protest and violence from leftist groups including Black Lives Matter.

But many Americans, particularly Trump supporters, believe the election was rigged or 'stolen'.

President Trump has faced much opposition including from many in his own Republican Party, the 'Never Trumpers,' and those in the Democratic Party and elsewhere, who sought to 'impeach' him as well as claim he won the 2016 election through Russian 'collusion.'

Last night, President Trump said on twitter: "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

Earlier today, Donald Trump has issued a statement asserting that there will be "an orderly transition" to Joe Biden's new administration on 20 January.

"Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," the statement declared.

"I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it's only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!"

Earlier today, Facebook and Instagram banned Donald Trump until after power transition accusing him of inciting 'violent insurrection.'

Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post that Trump will be blocked from these social media platforms "until the peaceful transition of power is complete," and will be concretely banned for at least two weeks.

"We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great," Zuckerberg said, accusing Trump of using the platform to "incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government."