'Convict Trump or it could happen again': Prosecutors at impeachment trial

Democrats have concluded their arguments that Donald Trump incited the 6 January Capitol riot, warning "he can do this again" if he is not convicted.

Impeachment prosecutors on Thursday used rioters' own words to link Trump to the violence while arguing the riot had caused long-term harm as well, reports the BBC.

Democrats also presented accounts from police, staff, intelligence officials and foreign media to pursue their case.

The former president's defence team will present their arguments on Friday.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives impeached Trump last month, accusing him of inciting the riot. Lawmakers from the House have been presenting their case to senators this week.

Trump's lawyers have argued he was using his right to freedom of speech when declaring last November's presidential election fraudulent.

A two-thirds majority is required to convict Trump in the evenly split 100-seat Senate, but an acquittal looks likely as the vast majority of Republican senators have remained loyal to him so far.

If Trump is convicted, however, the Senate could also vote to bar him from holding elected office again.

The violent riot at the US Capitol, which saw five people lose their lives, was an attempt by Trump supporters to stop the election result being certified.