Tensions were high at times during two protests held in the United States over the fatal shooting of a black man by two white police officers.

Protesters demonstrated outside Baton Rouge Police Department in Louisiana, and outside the convenience store in the same city where Alton Sterling was shot dead on Tuesday.

The rally outside the police building was at times tense as protesters faced off against officers dressed in riot gear as they cleared the road of demonstrators.

Several hundred people shouted "No justice! No peace!" and waved home made signs. Drivers in passing cars honked their horns and offered water to those protesting.

A spokesperson for the police force said that two firearms were confiscated and several arrests were made.

The US Department of Justice has opened an investigation into 37-year-old Mr Sterling's death.

Members of the New Black Panther Party for Self Defence called for the arrest of the officers involved in the shooting.