A Day That Shook The World: Los Angeles race riots

(Getty)

On 1 May 1992, Los Angeles descended into anarchy after four white policemen were acquitted of the beating of a black motorist.

These were the worst race riots seen in America for nearly 30 years, and police and the National Guard lost control of much of the city. More than 50 people died in the subsequent chaos.

There was widespread looting, arson and violence for the better part of a week, and some shopkeepers were forced to protect their premises with guns as law and order totally broke down.

Watch original British Pathe footage from the riots above.