Troops deployed to contain escalating violence

Following the burst of violence which broke out in Baltimore following violent protests linked to the death of a black man fatally injured in police custody, thousands of troops and police officers have been deployed to the region to contain the escalating violence.

BBC reports that a week-long curfew has been announced and schools and many businesses are closed.

Speaking on the deployment of troops, National Guard commander Linda Singh said that up to 5,000 troops could be put on the streets. She further added that troops would be out in massive force and that armoured vehicles would be used, but the city would not be under martial law.

Also Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order to "protect the lives and property of citizens being impacted by this public emergency" even as President Barack Obama said his administration would provide whatever assistance was needed.

The clash in Baltimore broke out after the burial of Freddie Gray, a 25-year old black man who died on the 19th of April after suffering injuries to his spinal cord and spending a week in a coma.

Gray had suffered the injuries while in police custody and officials have suspended six police officers who were involved in the case. In addition, the justice department is investigating exactly where and when his spinal injuries were sustained.

Yesterday (Monday) hundreds of people set fires to buildings across the city including the the newly constructed Mary Harvin Transformation Centre which is a community-based organisation that supports young people and families.

Several stores were also looted and many police officers were confronted across the city, with at least 15 officers injured by thrown objects such as bricks and bottles, according to Captain Eric Kowalczyk of Baltimore Police.

Police have since made at least 27 arrests.