Presidential debate: Nigel Farage says Donald Trump 'dominated' Hillary Clinton 'like a gorilla'

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Donald Trump dominated” Hillary Clinton like a “silverback gorilla” in the second presidential debate, Nigel Farage has said.

The interim Ukip leader attended the debate in St Louis, Missouri and praised Mr Trump following his controversial performance in the televised clash. He told Sky News: “I thought he was like a big silverback gorilla prowling the studio.

“I don't think he did it in a particularly aggressive way. I think what you saw tonight is the way he is. He took control. He dominated Hillary Clinton. She was very much on the back foot all evening.

”He came into this debate absolutely needing a good performance after a horrendous 48 hours and an embarrassing, cringe-makingly embarrassing 48 hours. It was real backs to the wall stuff. He's come out of this very well. He'll be leaving here a happy man tonight.“

Opinion polls have suggested Ms Clinton emerged the favourite among voters following the event. A CNN poll found 57 per cent of the public favoured Ms Clinton to her Republican counterpart.

The debate came following one the most tense periods in the election campaign so far, after footage emerged of Mr Trump allegedly discussing sexual assault. During the debate, his comments were criticised. He told the audience, he was “embarrassed” by his comments which he attributed to “locker room talk” and said: “I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do.”

Mr Trump also told Ms Clinton that if he becomes president, he will try and see her jailed over corruption allegations he has raised in both debates.