Greece's centre-right New Democracy party has won a narrow election victory and will now work to form a coalition with other parties backing the international bailout.

The result has been hailed by world leaders and has eased fears that Greece will make a sudden exit from the euro.

The streets of Athens were calm after New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras pledged to move swiftly to form a government, telling supporters: "There is no time to waste".

The anti-bailout Syriza party, which came a close second, said it would lead the opposition.