Ferguson unrest: Police officer injured in shooting as tension over Michael Brown death remains high

Police are hunting for two suspects, one of whom is believed to have shot a police officer as he gave chase

A Ferguson police officer was shot on Saturday in an area around the US city of Ferguson, Missouri, after chasing two suspects, authorities have said.

St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said at a media briefing that the officer approached the men around on Saturday evening at 9.10pm. As the officer approached, the men ran away, and as the officer gave chase, "one of the men turned and shot", Belmar said.

Missouri broadcaster KSDK said that the officer was shot in the arm, and it has been reported that his injuries are not life-threatening. Belmar did not identify the officer or give further details about his condition. He said the officer returned fire but said police have "no indication" that either suspect was shot.

Police watch as crowds gather near the scene where a police officer was shot in the arm in Ferguson, Missouri (AP Photo/KSDK-TV)

Ferguson has been a scene of unrest since the fatal shooting of unarmed black 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer.

Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson issued a videotaped apology to Brown's family earlier last week, and attempted to march with protesters, an effort that led to a clash with activists and several arrests on Thursday.

A county grand jury is weighing whether to indict Ferguson officer Darren Wilson in Brown's shooting.

Additional reporting by AP