Pistorius prosecutor Gerrie 'the bulldog' Nel resigns

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who led the state's case against Oscar Pistorius, has quit his job.

Mr Nel was the lead prosecutor in the trial of the former athlete, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The prosecutor was given the nickname 'bulldog' for his aggressive interrogation style in court.

The National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa confirmed his resignation on Tuesday.

Mr Nel is joining the civil rights group, AfriForum, to head up its private prosecution unit.

At the trial, Mr Nel crafted a picture of the athlete as a cold-blooded killer: "You killed a person, that's what you did! You shot and killed her, won't you take responsibility for that?"

He also questioned the double amputee after he broke down in tears, and vomited, in court: "Now you trying to be emotional and it's not working."

Mr Nel's decision to leave his role brings his 36-year career at the NPA to an end.