THE family of a black man shot and killed by New York police demanded today an inquiry into his death, rejecting the police’s version of events.

Newly released video footage shows an officer approaching Simran Gordon in a grocery shop, asking him to take his hands out of his pockets.

As Mr Gordon fled, the officer gave chase, but the footage becomes blurry as shots were heard. The suspect was lying on the ground as the officer told him to “drop the gun.”

Another video shows a second officer arrive at the scene and saying “I got it” as she appears to remove an object from his hand.

The Rochester Police Department claimed that Mr Gordon was armed and fired first, commending “the bravery and professionalism” of its officers.

But Mr Gordon’s family dispute the police version of events and have called for a full and transparent investigation.

“It wasn’t an exchange of fire. It wasn’t a shootout. It was a complete and total murder,” his uncle, Lyndon Gordon, said.

The family’s lawyer Yousef Taha said: “We will continue to seek justice for Simran and his family,” adding that the video’s release “leaves us with more questions than answers.”