Democrat Charles Schumer won the race to be New York Senator after one of the country's most bitter election battles.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]Alfonse D'Amato, the Republican incumbent, lost a tight race that had seen savage attacks made on both candidates.

Mr Schumer called his rival a liar, a bully and a sleaze. Mr D'Amato attacked the Democrat's voting record in Congress and called him a "putzhead", a Yiddish term meaning a fool.

After his victory, Mr Schumer said: "As hard as I fought to win this election I will fight even harder for everyone in this state and for the country we all love.

"I want to be a senator who will work to bring unity to our state and bring our state together.

Charles Schumer: "Fight even harder for the country"

"As we enter the 21st Century and face ever-increasing global competition we cannot afford division whether it be between race, sexual orientation, geographical region or ideology."

Mr Schumer benefited from strong support among women, Jews and moderates, according to an exit poll.

D'Amato went to vote with his grandchildren

The Democrat candidate, who has been in Congress since 1980, is known for his work on gun control and abortion rights. He also supports the death penalty.

Mr Schumer, who has been a New York Representative for nine terms, has won every election he has fought since he first entered the New York State assembly 24 years ago.

His victory means Democrats have both New York Senate seats for the first time in 50 years.

During the campaign he had the support of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, who made several campaign appearances in the bid to oust D'Amato.