An American town is ablaze after a police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Missouri sparked fury in the community, with reports of looting and riots emerging following a candlelit vigil.

Michael Brown, 18, was shot multiple times by police in the town of Ferguson after a confrontation.

American media has reported conflicting accounts of the incident, with some reports saying Mr Brown had his hands up when he was shot, and others saying he was wrestling a police officer's gun away from him.

In the hours immediately following the shooting, a large crowd gathered at the scene, where Brown's body reportedly lay in the street, covered by a white sheet.

Properties are ablaze as riots continue in Ferguson, Missouri. (Twitter/@Dr_Dennie) (Twitter)

More officers, including riot police, were deployed to the scene in a move officials said was to protect detectives investigating the incident.

However, overnight, reports emerged of looting and violence, including shots fired at police officers.

The anger of the community spilled over after a candlelight vigil for Mr Brown in Ferguson.

Ferguson Democratic Committeewoman Patricia Byne has been tweeting ongoing updates, including: "Watching them break into these businesses is HEARTBREAKING. THIS IN NOT #MikeBrown".

Police face off against rioters in Ferguson, MO. (Twitter/@_KingSoloman_) ((Twitter/@_KingSoloman_))

Other Twitter users posted images of looters stealing an ATM and stealing goods from convenience stores.

Riot police prepare to face looting rioters in Ferguson, Missouri, after the police shooting of an African-American teenager. (Twitter/@Dr_Dennie) (Twitter)