Shots have been fired in Ferguson, Missouri, during a stand-off between police and protesters marking one year since Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer.

 

Demonstrators who had gathered to remember the black teenager fled in multiple directions.

 

They hid behind cars and took cover in buildings as the gunfire rang out just after 11:15pm local time.

 

St Louis County Police Department say an officer returned shots after coming under heavy gunfire.

 

It was unclear where the shots came from or whether anyone was hit but St Louis County Police Department also tweeted at least two unmarked cars took shots, with accompanying photos showing a car with a smashed windscreen.

 

The police added: "Multiple shots fired in Ferguson. Please leave the area of Ferguson and West Florissant."

 

Earlier on Sunday, crowds marched to remember Michael, who was fatally shot by Ferguson officer Darren Wilson on 9 August last year. His shooting sparked a national debate on race and justice.

 

They observed four-and-a-half minutes of silence at midday to represent the roughly four-and-a-half hours the 18-year-old's body lay in the middle of the street after he was shot.

 

Two doves were released at the end.

 

The crowd then began a silent march from the spot where the unarmed Brown was shot.

 

A service commemorating the anniversary was held at a church in the St Louis suburb.

(Sky News)