David Cameron has announced he will not be the prime minister that takes Britain out of the European Union.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, accompanied by his wife, he said the decision of the British people to leave Europe must be respected. But he would not be the 'captain' who steered it to that destination, he said.

The focus will now fall on who may be the next PM, to take over some time in the next three months.

Mr Cameron had fought "head, heart and soul" for Remain, he said. "I held nothing back… but the British people made a very clear decision to take a different path.

"I think our country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction. I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain who steers it to the next destination."

The national interest was for a period of stability. There was no need "for a precise timetable" but the aim should be for a new prime minister to be in place by the start of the conservative party conference in October.

He would continue as prime minister with the existing cabinet for three months.

The next prime minister would be the one to activate the treaty clauses that starts the formal and legal exit process. Mr Cameron said he had said before that Britain could survive outside the EU.

"We need to find the best way, and I will do everything I can to help," he said.