Ferguson grand jury ruling sparks riots - in pictures

Rioting has broken out in the US town of Ferguson, Missouri, following the announcement by officials that a police officer who shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown will not be charged.

Crowds had been waiting hours for the announcement. Brown's mother Lesley McSpadden, listened to the ruling with a crowd of supporters. She burst into tears when she heard the announcement and began screaming

The violence which broke out afterwards was "probably much worse" than in August, when disturbances first broke out, the local police chief said.

Initially the protests in Ferguson were peaceful, following an appeal by Michael Brown's family

But they later turned violent with protesters setting fire to shops and businesses and attacking police vehicles

The sound of heavy gunfire was heard on Monday night, although officials said officers did not open fire

There was looting, but some protesters - like the ones here - attempted to protect businesses

Police used tear gas in an effort to disperse the demonstrators

Some protesters used milk to try to soothe the effects of the tear gas

Firefighters in Ferguson worked through the night to control several blazes, including this one at a strip mall

There were peaceful protests in others parts of the country, including Los Angeles

Oakland, California saw protests too, with some demonstrators blocking motorway traffic

Protesters started several small fires in Oakland, with police there saying there were multiple arrests