Donald Trump has called for the man accused of murdering a Ukrainian refugee on a train to be executed.

Decarlos Brown Jr, 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the brutal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug 22.

Surveillance footage of the killing showed the moment Brown appeared to spring up from the seat behind an unsuspecting Zarutska and lunge at her neck.

Clips from the moments afterward show blood spattered across the train carriage floor.

The killing has sparked widespread concern about crime in American cities, as Mr Trump plans to expand his law and order blitz from Washington, DC to other states across the country.

Taking to Truth Social, Mr Trump branded Brown an “animal” and said he deserved the death penalty.

He wrote: “The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a “Quick” (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!”

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, told The Telegraph that Mr Trump may also meet with Zarutska’s family to pass on his condolences.

“Certainly he’d be willing to. He’s always willing to do things like that,” she said.