White House revokes CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass following heated exchange

They also accused him of 'placing hands' on a intern

US President Donald Trump speaks with CNN reporter Jim Acosta during a press conference in the East Room of the White House. EPA

The White House has revoked the press pass of CNN's correspondent Jim Acosta following a heated exchange during a press conference.

Sarah Sanders also alleged Mr Acosta placed his hands on a young woman attempting to take the microphone from him.

A video of the event which caused his dismissal shows Mr Acosta fending off the intern, but not placing his hands on her. Ms Sanders did not allege another incident.

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In the exchange during a presidential press conference following the results of midterm elections President Donald Trump told the reporter "you are a rude, terrible person, you shouldn't be working for CNN."

Mr Trump also repeated the phrase "you are the enemy of the people."

When Mr Acosta returned to the White House for a live shot later that day he found his pass had been revoked.

Mr Acosta, who has been reporting from the White House since 2013, posted a grainy video of a member of the US Secret Service asking for his hard pass on Twitter last night.

The hard pass grants journalists access to the White House compound.

On Twitter, the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the president welcomes a free press but, "we will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern."

Later, Mr Acosta quoted the tweet saying "this is a lie."

A video of the event shows a White House intern attempting to take the microphone and Mr Acosta using his forearm to keep hold of it.

Ms Sanders also said the president has given the press more access in history and pointed to the press conference as his support for a free press, before attacking CNN.

"The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it‘s an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this Administration.

"As a result of today’s incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice."

CNN said Mr Acosta has their full support and "this unprecedented incident is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better."