Over 200 arrested in Baltimore riots

Over 200 people were arrested during riots in Baltimore, the largest city in the U.S. State of Maryland, on Monday night and early Tuesday, after the funeral of an American-African youth who died in police custody a week ago in the city.

According to sources of the local police department, 15 police officers were wounded by rock throwing, several of whom suffered serious injuries.

Meanwhile, over 100 vehicles have been torched and a dozen of stores and structures burned.

In addition, schools were closed on Tuesday, and public transit was shut down in parts of the city.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and called out the National Guard. Police from nearby towns converged to help restore order on the street.

The week-long protest triggered by the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray on April 19 eventually turned into chaotic looting, arson and violent confrontations with the police.

The riots started on the Monday afternoon at a mall in downtown Baltimore, where hundreds of police officers were confronted with the protestors and were pelted with water bottles and rocks.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has declared a citywide curfew beginning 10 p.m. Tuesday (0200 GMT, Wednesday).

The Baltimore police said they are looking into the death of Grey and will release the result on Friday. Endi