Video: 'Firework' set off during unrest following Antonio Martin shooting in St Louis

During confrontations between police and protesters, it appears some sort of firework was let off

Antonio Martin, 18, was shot dead by police in Berkeley suburb of St Louis, Missouri (YouTube)

Video in St Louis, Missouri following the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old African-American teenager appears to show a firework being let off at a gas station during angry confrontations between police and locals in the aftermath of the event.

The video shows a scuffle taking place in the forecourt of the Mobile Gas Station where police confirmed that an officer with the Berkeley Police show a young man, reported to be Antonio Martin.

As the jostling between police and protesters begins, two "missiles" can be seen flying into the gas station, causing smoke to engulf many people. A few seconds later, an explosion of colour is seen as it appears a firework is let off.

This instantly sends many people running away, including the individual who filmed the event. However, the police remain unphased and remain in their positions around the Mobile gas station.

The shooting of the teenager, identified locally as Antonio Martin but not yet confirmed by police, occurred in Berkeley late on Tuesday evening, just a few miles from Ferguson where another unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, was killed by a white police officer in August, setting off protests and riots both in Missouri and across the US.

A statement from the St. Louis County Police said that at 11:15pm local time, a police officer with the City of Berkeley was on a routine business check at a Mobile Gas Station when he saw two males outside of the building.

"The Berkeley Police Officer exited his vehicle and approached the subjects when one of the men pulled a handgun and pointed it at the officer," the statement read. "Fearing for his life, the Berkeley Officer fired several shots, striking the subject, fatally wounding him. The second subject fled the scene".