Katie Hill: US congresswoman resigns amid affair allegations

US lawmaker Katie Hill has announced her resignation from Congress, following allegations that she had an affair with a Capitol Hill aide.

The California Democrat, who has denied the claim, said she was stepping down with a "broken heart".

"I believe it is the best thing for my constituents, my community, and our country," she wrote on Twitter.

The resignation came days after she was placed under investigation by the House of Representatives Ethics Committee.

Why is there an investigation?
The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician.

She has asked police to investigate the nude photos being published online.

Ms Hill, 32, has denied having an affair with her aide, which would be a possible violation of House rules.

In a statement announcing the investigation, the ethics committee noted that the opening of an inquiry did not mean "that any violation has occurred".