Gunfire erupts as residents of Ferguson gather to mark one year anniversary of Michael Brown’s death

Multiple gunshots have been heard in the Missouri town of Ferguson, as crowds gather to mark one year since unarmed black teen Michael Brown was shot dead by a white police officer.

US news station CNN caught the volley of what sounds like small calibre shots on camera, during an on-the-street interview with a senior police officer on West Florissant Avenue at about 11pm local time.

The unidentified officer, who is wearing a Colonel’s rank insignia, is in the middle of telling the reporter that police want to be as “patient as possible” when the shots ring out, sending gathered locals running for cover and dropping behind nearby cars.

St Louis Country Police said one of its officers came under “heavy gunfire”, tweeting photos of a patrol car that had sustained multiple gunshots.

It is unclear if anyone was hit or if the shooter was actively aiming at police.

A police helicopter is also hovering over the scene, shining a spotlight, according to local media.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of 18-year-old Brown, who was shot during an arrest. The white officer who fatally shot Brown was later cleared of any wrongdoing, but quit the force amid public disquiet.

The shooting triggered major riots and violent clashes with police across the city.