New York City introduces curfew and increases police numbers amid George Floyd protests

Mayor says citywide mandate to protect against 'violence and property damage' following week of demonstrations

New York City will impose a curfew as demonstrations continue in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Curfew will begin at 11pm and end at 5am, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced.

On-duty police officers will also double to 8,000, a massive surge to the streets from the nation's largest policing force.

The escalation follows several nights of protests across the city, with as many as eight demonstrations held in one day, calling for justice in the killing of Mr Floyd and an end to police violence that has brutalised communities.

Governor Cuomo said he supports the protests but condemns the "people who are looking to distract and discredit this moment" with "violence and looting".

"While we encourage people to protest peacefully and make their voices heard, the safety of the general public is paramount and cannot be compromised," he said.

Scheduled protests this week include vigils for Mr Floyd and other victims of police violence, as well as a prayer-focussed protest through Brooklyn led by local church leaders, among other events.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the curfew is aimed at protecting against "violence and property damage" after several New York Police Department vehicles were torched and dozens of people were arrested, including the mayor's daughter, while widely shared footage from across the city captured police provoking and threatening crowds, driving into them, swatting them with batons and spraying them with pepper spray.

Earlier on Monday, the mayor said officials "have not believed a curfew is the right strategy" but considered implementing one after speaking with the governor and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

"A curfew is not a silver bullet, by the way," the governor said.

In a statement, Mayor de Blasio said he has spoken with the police commissioner "at length about the incidents we've all seen in recent days where officers didn't uphold the values of this city or the NYPD."

"We agree on the need for swift action," he said.

Following violence scenes over the weekend, Commissioner Shea told officers: "I want you to know that I'm extremely proud of the way you've comported yourselves in the face of such persistent disrespect, and denigration."

Essential workers and members of the press are exempt from the curfew, according to the governor's office, though it's unclear how officers would enforce the measure. Violating curfew could result in three months in jail and a $500 fine, according to state statutes.

It also exempts "peace officers, firefighters, first responders and emergency medical technicians, individuals travelling to and from essential work and performing essential work, people experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter, and individuals seeking medical treatment or medical supplies".