Fierce rioting has broken out in Los Angeles following the decision by a jury to acquit four white police officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney King.
The decision, made by an all-white jury, caused a political outcry, and provoked fury in the predominantly black neighbourhoods of south-central Los Angeles.
An angry crowd, chanting “Guilty! Guilty!”, tried to storm police headquarters in the business district, before setting fire to shops and vehicles.
Motorists were dragged from their cars and beaten, cars were overturned and set alight, and at least five people were shot dead.
The violence is the worst in the city since the Watts riots of 1965, in which 34 people died. The Governor of California, Pete Wilson, has declared a state of emergency, and called in reinforcements from the California Highway Patrol. Read More
