The US attorney general has appointed a special counsel to investigate the financial and business dealings of the son of President Joe Biden.

Merrick Garland said he is promoting David Weiss, the US attorney in Delaware who has already been probing Hunter Biden, to the position.

Mr Weiss said talks over a plea deal for Mr Biden had broken down and a trial may be “in order”.

He will be responsible for the “ongoing investigation” of President Joe Biden’s son, “as well as for any other matters that arose or may arise from that investigation,” the Justice Department said in a statement.

Prosecutors say charges may need to be filed against Mr Biden in Washington DC or California.

“The parties have engaged in further plea negotiations but are at an impasse. The government now believes that the case will not resolve short of a trial,” a filing stated.

Mr Garland said on Tuesday Weiss told him that “in his judgment, his investigation has reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a Special Counsel, and he asked to be appointed.

The announcement comes as House Republicans launch their own investigation into Hunter Biden and his business dealings.

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