The Californian city of Stockton looks set to become the largest US city to declare bankruptcy, after a deadline to make a deal with its creditors passed.

Stockton City Council is expected to vote on whether to file for bankruptcy protection.

Mayor Ann Johnston told local media such a move appeared "very likely".

The river port city of 290,000 - which lies 90 miles east of San Francisco - suffered badly during the US housing market crash.