Dominique Strauss-Kahn has resigned from the International Monetary Fund.

It comes after the former IMF chief was accused of sexual assault by a hotel maid in Manhattan. He was arrested and taken to Riker's Island jail. He is set to appear in court on Friday.

The French politician, 62, said in a statement that he was leaving to "protect the institution."

He added: "I want to say that I deny with the greatest possible firmness all of the allegations that have been made against me.

"I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to proving my innocence."

The IMF has not named his successor, but in the interim Mr Strauss-Kahn's deputy, US economist John Lipsky, will take charge.