Clashes between demonstrators and riot police marred the end of what had been a largely-peaceful second day of protest rallies in the US city of St Louis.<br /><br />It comes after the acquittal of a white police officer in the fatal shooting of a black man.<br /><br />Protesters took to St Louis streets after judge delivered not guilty verdict in officer-involved shooting case. More https://t.co/GTRA37jIrf pic.twitter.com/hd84hybHzz— NBC News (@NBCNews) 16 septembre 2017<br /><br />What happened?<br /><br />Several hundred people gathered near Washington University after dark as the main rallies and marches wound down on Saturday evening.<br /><br />Violence broke out between around 100 protestors and riot police who ordered them to disperse.<br /><br />Shop and restaurant windows were smashed and rubbish bins were thrown.<br /><br />Police declared the scene an unlawful assembly and threatened to use tear gas.<br /><br />Were there any arrests?<br /><br />Yes. At least eight.<br /><br />There have been a total of 33 arrests. 10 police officers have been hurt.<br /><br />Rock band U2 canceled a concert scheduled for Saturday in St. Louis, and singer Ed Sheeran did the same for his show on Sunday, citing security concerns.<br /><br />Why did the protests start?<br /><br />They began peacefully on Friday after Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson acquitted former St Louis police officer Jason Stockley of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith, who was 24.<br /><br />But the gatherings ended in violence on both Friday and Saturday nights.<br /><br />What was the case about?<br /><br />Anthony Lamar Smith was shot five times in his car after attempting to elude Stockley and his partner, who had pursued them after an alleged drug deal, officials say.<br /><br />Prosecutors say that, during the pursuit, Stockley could be heard saying on an internal police car video that he was going to kill Smith.<br /><br />Stockley believed that Smith was armed, defence lawyers said, and a gun was found in the car.<br /><br />Prosecutors argued that Stockley had planted the weapon and the gun had only Stockley’s DNA.<br /><br />What happened on Friday?<br /><br />An estimated 600 chanting protesters marched from the courthouse through downtown St Louis.<br /><br />Some were holding “Black Lives Matter” signs.<br /><br />Windows were broken and bottles thrown at officers, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.<br /><br />Rocks and paint were also thrown at the home of St Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson.<br /><br />PHOTO: A broken window is seen at home of St. Louis mayor, as protesters gather in aftermath of #STLVerdict (Photo by Jeff Roberson) pic.twitter.com/RTNCQEK5l5— NBC News (@NBCNews) 16 septembre 2017<br /><br />What they are saying<br /><br />“We had been getting such a good turn out earlier and it was a peaceful protest. But then a bunch of people came and decided to be disruptive,” – 32-year-old protestor Jomar Jackson.<br /><br />“I don’t understand how this would bring the poor guy back to life,” – flower shop owner Elisheva Heit.<br /><br />Tonight’s St. Louis Show Cancelled<br />‘We cannot risk fans’ safety.’ Live Nation statement. https://t.co/0xDnUGfb7p pic.twitter.com/r3lF5TsxKF— U2 (@U2) 16 septembre 2017<br /><br />“Deeply saddened at what has happened in St Louis and having to cancel our show tonight,” – U2 singer Bono said in a post on Instagram.<br />
