Several cities across the US are holding protests over Freddie Gray, whose death from injuries sustained in police custody has stoked unrest in Baltimore.

Hundreds people have gathered in New York’s Union Square, where police arrested at least 60 people.

There were also rallies in Washington DC, Boston and Minneapolis.

A national debate over the use of police force has been going on since August 2014, when black teenager Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Missouri.

The US Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the death of Freddie Gray, who suffered fatal spinal injuries when arrested by police.

Freddie Gray’s funeral took place on April 27 and was followed by widespread rioting, arson and looting.

Since then a curfew has been in place on the streets of Baltimore from 22:00 to 05:00.

Hours before the second night of curfew, on April 29, a large march made its way through Baltimore’s streets.

In New York, where protesters said they were demonstrating in solidarity with the people of Baltimore, protesters chanted “no justice, no peace” and “hands up, don’t shoot”.

How Freddie Gray got his injuries is unclear. As well as the Department of Justice investigation, a separate internal inquiry is being conducted by the police.

The preliminary results of that police probe will not be released on May 1st, as was expected, it has emerged.

Six police officers have been suspended with pay while this investigation is carried out.