Shocking footage of a black man being shot dead by police in the US, despite having his hands raised as he surrendered, has been released.

Protests erupted following the release of the video which shows Jerame Reid being killed in Bridgeton, New Jersey, after a car in which he was travelling was pulled over by police.

Two officers approach the vehicle with their guns drawn, with one warning Reid "if you reach for something, you're going to be f*****g dead".

The cops are heard warning each other "he's reaching" and seconds later Reid is shot as he emerges from the car.

It is the latest shooting of a black man by police to cause outrage in the US. According to local reports, Reid had served jail time for previously shooting at law enforcers.

Police said Reid was killed during "a rapidly evolving situation" in a statement to the South Jersey Times.

"The Bridgeton Police Department would like to caution viewers that this video depicts a rapidly evolving situation that ends tragically. Discretion should be used with respect to those viewing the video."

A criminal investigation into the incident is under way.

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