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The US Senate has voted 54-45 confirming President Donald Trump's attorney general pick William Barr to serve in the role for a second time.

Nearly every Republican and three Democrats voted to confirm Mr Barr, who will head the politically independent US Justice Department.

As the nation's top law official, Mr Barr will oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation.

Democrats were angered by his previous criticism of the Russia inquiry.

Mr Barr previously held the attorney general title from 1991 to 1993 under Republican President George H W Bush.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders called Mr Barr's confirmation "a major victory for justice and the rule of law in America".

Democrats Doug Jones of Alabama, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona voted in favour of Mr Barr - all three representing more conservative-leaning states.

Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against Mr Trump's pick.