The Ferguson protests in pictures

Smoke fills the streets as some buildings are on fire after the announcement of the grand jury decision Monday. Photo / AP

Protests and some riots have broken out across America after a grand jury ruled that the white police officer who shot Michael Brown in Ferguson will not be charged over the unarmed black teen's death.

The jury's ruling that there was "no probable cause" to indict Darren Wilson over Brown's shooting death in the St Louis suburb has caused shock, disbelief and inflamed already simmering racial tensions.

Here Associated Press photographers have captured the mood and protests.

A protester speaks in front of the Ferguson Police Department. Photo / AP / Charlie Riedel

Protesters march during a rally near the Chicago Police headquarters after the announcement of the grand jury decision . Photo / AP / Charles Rex Arbogast

Police officers stand guard as protesters react to the announcement of the grand jury decision. Photo / AP / David Goldman

Police officers stand guard as protesters react to the announcement of the grand jury decision. Photo / AP / David Goldman

Police officers stand guard in front of the Ferguson Police Department. Photo / AP/ Charlie Riedel

Police officers confront protesters after the announcement of the grand jury decision. Photo / AP / David Goldman

Asmera Smith holds up a photographic display of people allegedly killed by police during a protest outside the Chicago Police headquarters before the announcement of the grand jury decision. Photo / AP / Charles Rex Arbogast