US cops filmed shooting man with hands in the air

US police officers have been caught on camera shooting dead a man with his hands raised in the air.

Gilbert Flores, 41, died shortly after the shooting, which took place on Friday in Bexar County, Texas and was filmed by a neighbour, KSAT 12 reports.

Officers Greg Vasquez and Robert Sanchez responded to a domestic dispute when they came across a woman with a cut on her head and a baby that appeared to be injured, a statement from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said.

The police then encountered Flores, who they claimed was armed but refused to say with what.

After failing to arrest the suspect using non-lethal weapons the officers fire two shots at Flores causing him to collapse instantly.

The cops then turn Flores onto his stomach and around a minute and a half later an ambulance arrives on the scene.

Both officers have been placed on paid leave while the shooting is investigated.

Sheriff Susan Pamerleau told a press conference that what occurred in the video was "a cause for concern".

"But it's important to let the investigation go through its course so that we can assure a thorough and complete review of all that occurred," she said.

In an unusual move the Bexar County Sheriff's Office later issued a statement on their Facebook page attacking local media for broadcasting "unedited video of a man's death".

"KSAT 12 paid a neighbor who filmed the tragedy $100 for the exclusive rights to the video. As a result, people from outside our community have bombarded us with inappropriate comments, and today, physical threats toward our deputies," the comment said.

"These deputies have not been charged with a crime and a family lost their loved one. This is unethical and sad."

The post included KSAT's number and urged people offended by it to call the station and let them know.