Bernie Sanders says Hillary Clinton 'must become' next US president
Bernie Sanders has urged his supporters to back Hillary Clinton, saying she "must become the next president of the United States".
Amid tension between his supporters and those backing the Democratic candidate at the party's convention in Philadelphia, the Vermont senator called for unity to prevent Donald Trump winning November's election.
"Based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States," Mr Sanders said. "The choice is not even close."
There have been large protests outside the convention by Sanders' supporters, with many outraged at leaked emails suggesting the supposedly neutral Democratic National Committee sided with Mrs Clinton during the primary contest, which she ultimately won.
More protests are planned for Tuesday and some of those opposed to a Clinton presidency have said they plan to back Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
Seeking to prevent this from happening, Mr Sanders warned his supporters of the dangers of Mr Trump becoming president.
He said: "If you don't believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.
"Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight."
Unsurprisingly, Mr Trump slammed Mr Sanders' performance, tweeting that he had "totally sold out".
Former president and Mrs Clinton's husband Bill Clinton is due to speak on Tuesday, with President Barack Obama addressing the convention on Wednesday.
Mrs Clinton will deliver her headline speech on Thursday.