Biden romps to victory in South Carolina

He is set for a large victory in South Carolina's primary, where voters have been picking who they want to be the Democratic nominee for the election. 

Left-winger Bernie Sanders, who is second in South Carolina, is likely to remain in the lead overall.

Another 14 states vote on Super Tuesday this week.

By the end of Super Tuesday, it could become much clearer who the nominee will be. South Carolina is only the fourth state to have voted so far in the months-long primary season.

This is Mr Biden's first ever victory in a primary in what is his third run for US president. In a victory speech, he said: "Just days ago the press and the pundits had declared this candidacy dead. Now, thanks to all of you - the heart of the Democratic Party - we just won, and we've won big."

What happened in South Carolina?

With almost two-thirds of the votes counted, Mr Biden has 50% of the share, ahead of Mr Sanders and billionaire hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer. US media report Mr Steyer is about to drop out of the race, leaving seven candidates in the running.

Mr Biden had been pinning his hopes on a strong result in the southern state, after performing poorly in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.

He regularly cited his strong support among African-Americans, and polls suggest an endorsement by influential black congressman James Clyburn played a significant part in how people voted.

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