Officer in Obama motorcade dies after hit

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A Florida police officer escorting United States President Barack Obama's motorcade died on Sunday after he was struck by a vehicle, officials said.

Mr Obama has been notified of the officer's death, White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.

A police spokseman said that Bruce St. Laurent was working to shut down the Interstate 95 highway when a vehicle struck him. He was rushed to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, where he later died.

"The accident happened ahead of the motorcade itself and no other vehicle in the motorcade was involved in the accident," Mr Carney said.