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An online fundraising page for the police officer accused of shooting an unarmed black teenager six times has brought in almost $60,000 (£36,000).
Darren Wilson remains in hiding almost two weeks after Michael Brown, 18, was shot dead in unclear circumstances. He has not been arrested and has been suspended with pay.
Michael's death has triggered widespread protests and unrest in the St Louis suburb of Ferguson, Missouri, with police being criticised for an almost militarised response to demonstrators.
While county police and the FBI conduct investigations into Michael's death, the officer who shot him has received support online.
By 9am UK time on Wednesday a fundraising appeal on GoFundMe had attracted $58,000 in donations, with all proceeds being "sent directly to Darren Wilson and his family for any financial needs they may have including legal fees". The £58,000 figure meant donations had tripled since yesterday evening.
While most of the 1,400 (so far) pledges have been made anonymously, Jason Doyal wrote: "Do not let this get you down. Use this money wisely, get out of police work, it's just not a good job anymore."
In an emailed message, the organiser of the campaign told i100: "Thank you for reaching out. We are not interested in speaking with the press at this time. Please do not attempt to contact myself or any member of my family."
- A family photo of Michael Brown
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