New York, Apr 27: Three New York City police officers were found not guilty of all charges in the shooting death of an unarmed black man killed in a hail of 50 bullets on his wedding day.

A New York state judge cleared two officers of manslaughter and other charges and a third of reckless endangerment in the death of Sean Bell, 23. Bell was shot, along with two friends, after a bachelor party at a strip club in November 2006.

After the verdict, loud sobs were heard in the courtroom. Outside, about 200 demonstrators angrily yelled at television cameras.

"They're murderers, criminals, and they are going to rot in hell where they belong," one man shouted.

The case has generated outrage in New York's black community, and police prepared for potential unrest with the announcement of the verdict. However, officials said they did not expect violence because numerous demonstrations against the perceived police brutality had remained peaceful.