Second US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden cancelled

The second presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has been cancelled.

The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates confirmed on Friday that the October 15 event would be scrapped.

It had suggested the debate be held virtually after Mr Trump tested positive for coronavirus.

However the US president rejected the plan for the candidates to appear from remote locations rather than in Miami where the debate was due to be held.

Meanwhile, former vice president Mr Biden scheduled a town hall with ABC News for that night once Mr Trump said he would not participate.

Mr Biden's campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said on Friday in a statement: "Vice President Biden looks forward to making his case to the American people about how to overcome this pandemic, restore American leadership and our alliances in the world, and bring the American people together.

"It's shameful that Donald Trump ducked the only debate in which the voters get to ask the questions... but it's no surprise."

Mr Trump’s team later countered with a call to hold the debates as scheduled once the president’s doctor said he would be cleared to hold public events beginning on Saturday.

But the commission said it would not reverse its decision not to have the candidates on stage together, citing an abundance of caution with health concerns as the town-hall-style debate was set to feature questions from average voters.

The Commission said in a statement: "It is now apparent there will be no debate on October 15, and the CPD will turn its attention to preparations for the final presidential debate scheduled for October 22."

The third debate, scheduled for October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee, is still on.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.