The head of the inquiry into historical child abuse has resigned.

Fiona Woolf is to step down as the head of an inquiry into historic child sex abuse.

She said it had been clear for some time that victims did not have confidence in her, adding that it was time to "get out of the way".

Victims' groups earlier told Home Office officials they were "unanimous" she should resign over social links with ex-Home Secretary Lord Brittan.

David Cameron had been certain that she could do the job, a spokesman said.

It comes after the first person appointed to lead the inquiry - Baroness Butler-Sloss - stepped down in July after concerns were raised about the fact that her late brother was attorney general during the 1980s.