UK Prime Minister Theresa May's efforts to forge a close relationship with Washington got off to a bumpy start as US Secretary of State John Kerry appeared to bang his head on the door of Number 10.

Mr Kerry, visiting the new Prime Minister in Downing Street, posed for photographers before turning to enter the famous black door - unaware it had been partially shut behind him.

But there was no sign of discomfort inside Number 10 as Mr Kerry and Mrs May chatted ahead of their meeting.

Mr Kerry will also hold talks with his counterpart Boris Johnson during the visit to London as the UK government attempts to shore up its global status following the Brexit vote.

It hopes the meeting will demonstrate that Washington still values the "special relationship" between the two countries after the European Union referendum result.

After that engagement, Mr Johnson is hosting talks on Syria with his counterparts from the US, Germany, France and Italy, along with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini. 

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