Police clash with angry US protesters over another black death

American police officers have clashed with protesters who are furious over the shooting death of another African-American teenager by police in Missouri.

The crowd gathered at the scene of the Mobil gas station in Berkeley suburb of Saint Louis, where 18 year-old Antonio Martin was shot and killed by an officer.

Police used pepper spray to disperse demonstrators who threw bricks and attacked police cars.

In a statement, St. Louis County police said an officer opened fire on Martin who was carrying a handgun, hitting him several times and killing him.

Earlier reports, however, indicated that the victim was unarmed.

Missouri has been the scene of angry protests since white police officer Darren Wilson was cleared for the killing of unarmed African-American teenager Michael Brown in August.

Protesters and human rights activists described Brown’s killing as an example of the excessive use of force and racism in law enforcement in the United States.

Protests were also held in New York City against police brutality after a grand jury failed to indict white police officer Daniel Pantaleo who choked unarmed black man Eric Garner.