DHAKA: Thousands of people have marched through the US capital, Washington DC, to protest against the recent killings of unarmed black people by police.

Relatives of Michael Brown, shot dead in the Missouri town of Ferguson, and Eric Garner, who died being restrained in New York, were among them.

Both died after encountering police, but grand juries decided not to bring charges, sparking anger and unrest.

A demonstration in New York also drew thousands despite chilly weather.

Speakers at the Capitol called for changes to US legislation.

Lesley McSpadden, mother of Michael Brown, told the crowd, ‘What a sea of people. If they don't see this and make a change, then I don't know what we got to do. Thank you for having my back’.

The mood in the US capital was described as calm but defiant, with a large number of police on standby.

Earlier in the day, a small group of protesters from Missouri disrupted the schedule by taking to the stage at the starting-point, on Freedom Plaza, and blowing a bullhorn.

They complained that the protest, which was organised by long-established civil rights groups, was staid and ineffective, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1321 HRS, DEC 14, 2014