INTERNATIONAL
(BBC) Three police officers have been shot dead and seven injured during protests in Dallas against the shooting of black men by US police, the authorities say.
Dallas Police Chief David Brown said it appeared two snipers were responsible.
Gunfire broke out as demonstrators marched through the city on Thursday evening, sending them fleeing for cover.
The protests were sparked by the deaths of Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana.
32-year-old Castile was killed by police during a traffic stop in the nearby city of Falcon Heights Wednesday night. His fiancee, Diamond Reynolds, broadcast video of the aftermath showing Castile bleeding and slumped in his seat. She said she recorded the video in the interest of accountability. The footage has evoked outrage.
According to reports, the officer who shot Castile was identified as Jeronimo Yanez, and his backup, Joseph Kauser, were members of the St. Anthony Police Department. Both are on paid administrative leave, as is standard.
37-year-old Sterling was shot was shot outside the Triple S Food Mart in Baton Rouge after an encounter with two police officers. A graphic cell phone video of the shooting was shared widely on social media, quickly sparking local protests and drawing national attention.
