Congressional Democrats have announced the first public hearings next week in their inquiry that could seek to remove President Donald Trump from office.

Three state department officials will testify first in the televised hearings, which have previously been held behind closed doors.

The impeachment inquiry centres on claims that Mr Trump’s withheld aid to Ukraine to prod it to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden.

Mr Trump denies any abuse of power.

Three key House committees have already heard private testimony from more than two dozen witnesses.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, who is overseeing the inquiry, told reporters on Wednesday that an impeachment case was building against the president.