Lloyd Austin: Pentagon reveals US Defence Secretary had prostate cancer surgery

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin suffered a urinary tract infection following surgery to treat a prostate cancer diagnosis, doctors have said.

In a statement, doctors emphasised that cancer was caught early and Mr Austin's "prognosis is excellent".

Mr Austin, 70, faced criticism after it emerged senior defence officials and the White House did not learn of his hospital visit until three days later.

He has apologised for not "ensuring the public was appropriately informed".

The defence secretary sits just below the president in the chain of command for the US military.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.