Powerful images from protests over Michael Brown killing

They are the most vociferous of the protests taking place across the US against a grand jury decision not to indict the killer of black teenager Michael Brown.

Prosecutor Bob McCulloch issued a statement saying police officer Darren Wilson had been found to have acted within the law and in keeping with his training.

But demonstrators have said Brown was unarmed and had his hands up - and that the shooting and last night's decision come as the latest examples of racial inequality in the city.

Questions have been raised as to why officials waited until 8pm, when night had fallen, for the verdict on Wilson's fate to be announced.

And coming one month before Christmas and in the week of Thanksgiving, the riots are playing out before a backdrop geared towards celebrations and togetherness.

The outpouring of anger has resulted in some extraordinary images.

One of the most powerful was the following, showing armed police formed up in a line across the street under a banner wishing people a happy holiday.

See gallery for more below.

Culled from www.independent.co.uk