Two officers in serious condition after protests turn violent outside US Ferguson police department blamed for death of unarmed black teenager

Gunfire erupted during protests following the resignation of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson late last night as angry scuffles broke out between officers and the public. A 32-year-old officer from nearby Webster Groves was shot in the face and a 41-year-old officer from St Louis County was shot in the shoulder, St Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said. Both were taken to hospital, where Belmar said they were conscious, but described their injuries as 'serious' without giving further details. Investigators were later seen examining a blood-splattered helmet (left) thought to be belong to one of the injured officers. After the shooting, officers with guns and in riot gear (right) circled the station and more than a dozen squad cars blocked the street.