In pictures: Sean Bell verdict

Three New York police officers who stood trial over the fatal shooting of Sean Bell, 23 - pictured here with his fiancee Nicole and their daughter - have been acquitted by a Supreme Court judge.

The death has prompted accusations of police brutality, and passions were high among protesters outside the court as news of the verdict came through.

Some protesters have also raised allegations of police racism, though two of the three police defendants were black.

There were brief scuffles between police and protesters as the news came in, but they quickly died down.

Bell's fiancee Nicole (centre) left the courtroom in tears as the judge delivered his verdict. She was accompanied by veteran campaigner Rev Al Sharpton (right), a vocal supporter throughout the trial.

Prosecutors and protesters argue the police officers used unnecessary force, firing a total of 50 shots at the car - 31 by just one officer. This photo shows where the bullets entered the vehicle.

But the defendants claimed one of Bell's friends had said he was armed. Their supporters say police officers have to make split-second decisions in high-tension situations.

The defendants chose to have their case heard by a judge and not a jury - claiming the publicity surrounding the case, such as this campaign poster, threatened to prejudice a jury.

The judge said prosecutors had failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt - but campaigners vow to carry on.

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