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Baltimore curfew lifted by mayor following protests

A daily 10pm curfew in Baltimore, which had been in effect for five nights following violent protests over the death of Freddie Gray, has been lifted by the city's mayor.

It comes after six police officers involved in Gray's arrest were charged over his death, including counts of manslaughter and murder.

A post-mortem revealed Gray suffered a broken neck after being handcuffed, shackled and placed head-first into a police van.

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Police union critical of charges against Freddie Gray officers

Representatives of six Baltimore police officers have condemned the city's senior prosecutor to bring charges over the death of Freddie Gray in custody.

The State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said Mr Gray's arrest was illegal and unjustified and brought charges against the officers ranging from assault to murder.

She said his neck was broken because he was handcuffed, shackled and placed head-first into a police van, where his pleas for medical attention were repeatedly ignored as he bounced around inside the small metal box.

Caesar R Goodson Jr, a black officer who drove the police van, was charged with second-degree murder, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.

All six officers - three black and three white, five men and one woman - have been released on bail.

However, the president of the Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police said they were not responsible for Mr Gray's death.

"We are disappointed in the apparent rush to judgment given the fact the investigation into this matter has not been concluded," said Gene Ryan.

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