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20 Aug 2014

Police shoot dead second man in St Louis, Missouri

A second black man is shot dead by police officers in St Louis, not far from where Michael Brown died on 9 August. Police say he was brandishing a knife, and was shot in self defence.

Video: “What do we want? Justice” – Channel 4 News Producer Emily Wilson was on the streets of Ferguson last night

The deceased, who was believed to be 23-years-old, was described by St Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson as “agitated” when he approached police officers.

The man has not yet been named, but according to reporters on the ground, was known in the area and had a history of mental health problems.

Officer Dobson added: “Officers gave suspect verbal commands. Officers feared for their safety and both officers fired their weapons. Suspect is deceased.”

The fatal shooting is likely to further enflame tensions between residents and police in Missouri, which were sparked by the fatal police shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, outside St Louis, on 9 August.

Before the fatal shooting of the second black man overnight on Tuesday, the tenth night of protests in Ferguson had been more subdued than previous days which had been blighted by violence and saw police using tear gas against protesters. However the atmosphere later changed, with a police helicopter circling overhead and police in riot gear appeared on the streets ordering the remaining demonstrators to disperse.

State documents revealed by local media on Tuesday showed that 78 people had been arrested on Sunday and Monday, the vast majority for refusing to disperse, and on previous nights, armed riot police were engaged in standoffs with protesters who had their hands in the air.

A policeman raised his rifle and pointed it directly at us – read more from Channel 4 News’ Kylie Morris

In the hours after darkness fell on Tuesday night, protesters were notably fewer in number as community leaders, members of the clergy and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster mingled with demonstrators.

US Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to arrive in Ferguson later on Wednesday, and has tried to reassure protesters that the government’s investigation into the shooting of Michael Brown will be thorough, and fair.

Also on Wednesday, a grand jury is expected to hear evidence on the fatal shooting of Brown by a police officer.