Barack Obama condemns killing of New York police officers

President Barack Obama has condemned the murder of two New York police officers in broad daylight by a lone gunman.

The shooting took place in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbourhood in Brooklyn. The gunman committed suicide by shooting himself a few minutes after killing the NYPD officers.

In a statement from Hawaii while he is on holiday, Obama said: "Two brave men won't be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day."

The White House earlier said the president was briefed on the event.

Obama continued: "I as people to reject violence and words that harm and turn to words that heal, prayer, patient dialogue, and sympathy for the friends and family of the fallen."

The suspect gunman is believed to be 28-year old Ismaaiyl Brinsley who reportedly went up to the police officers in a parked car and shot them dead in cold blood.

The shooting appears to be a retaliation for the choke-hold death of Eric Garner, the 43-year old who died as he was tackled by police officers in Staten Island in July this year.

Garner's death and the death of unarmed black teenager have prompted protests against police force across the US.