A woman accused of conning a film company out of £120,000 by promising exclusive access to Hillary Clinton is being hunted by police.

An arrest warrant was issued for Ann Leuser after she failed to appear at court in London on Monday.

The court was told the 55-year-old had fallen ill on a sleeper train from Aberdeenshire and was taken to hospital - but police said she was lying.

Leuser is accused of trying to get a free trip to New York in April 2015.

She is said to have taken four payments of £30,000 from a production company on the understanding they would get access to Clinton on the campaign trail during her presidential bid.

Leuser is accused of conspiring to commit fraud.

At Inner London Crown Court, detective sergeant Barry Murray said: ''I contacted the Scottish Ambulance Service and explained the details that the defendant had taken ill on the sleeper.

''They confirm no one with her name has been treated in the last 48 hours.''

Judge Wood said: ''I find on the evidence the defendant has given a false explanation, her absence is in breach of bail. I issue a bench warrant without bail.''

Leuser has missed two previous court appearance because she was suffering from infections in her hand and leg.