Rodney King, 1991 LA riots figure, found dead in his swimming pool aged 47

Rodney King, the figure at the centre of the Los Angeles riots in 1991, has been found dead in a swimming pool, according to police reports.

Rodney King’s fiancée found his body at the bottom of the swimming pool, but there was no sign of foul play. He was 47.

He was a victim of police brutality in 1991, but the officers involved were acquitted the following year.

The verdict triggered clashes between black youths and police which left more than 50 dead and thousands injured.

The beating was filmed by a bystander and part of the film was shown by media outlets across the world, causing public outrage.

A later trial resulted in two of the four officers being jailed.

Rodney King suffered brain damage during the beating. He sued the City of Los Angeles and won $3.8 million compensation.

Rialto Police Captain Randy Deanda said on Sunday King was found “unresponsive” at the bottom of his pool and was pronounced dead at 06:11 a.m.