Washington, April 9 (IANS): The police officer who was caught on video shooting dead a fleeing black suspect in North Charleston in the US state of South Carolina was sacked after being charged with murder.

Speaking at a news conference that was constantly interrupted by protesters, North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey called the shooting a tragedy for both families, the white officer's and the black man's, Xinhua reported.

"This has been a horrible tragedy within our community," Summey said after meeting Wednesday morning with the family of Walter Scott, who was shot by Michael Thomas Slager.

Two families have been harmed by what has occurred, he noted, adding that the city has also ordered additional body cameras to be worn by all officers.

During the conference, North Charleston's police chief Eddie Driggers told reporters that he had watched the video of the shooting, saying "I was sickened by what I saw."

Outside the City Hall, protesters chanted "No Justice, No Peace", a familiar slogan during demonstrations last year across the country against the overuse of police force, particularly when confronting African Americans.

The South Carolina Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the case.