Trump defends police in Charlotte and condemns protesters

US presidential candidate Donald Trump has criticised the actions of violent protesters in Charlotte, North Carolina after three nights of rioting in the city.

Keith Lamont Scott was shot and killed by police in the city on Tuesday, sparking demonstrations that turned violent on Wednesday as a man was fatally shot.

The events have instigated once again the debate surrounding the treatment of those in the black community by the country's law enforcement.

During a campaign event in Philadelphia on Thursday, the Republican nominee addressed the issue.

"The rioting in our streets is a threat to all peaceful citizens and it must be ended and ended now," Trump said.

He also accused Democrat rival Hillary Clinton of blaming the police for problems in cities in the United States.

Earlier on Thursday in a separate speech in Pittsburgh, Trump referred to the situation in Charlotte as being part of a "national crisis".

"This is a national crisis," Trump said during the speech. "We have to make our cities safe again."

Trump and Clinton will go head to head in the race for the White House in November.