Mike Pence defends police at convention amid rising race tension

Vice president Mike Pence speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention (Andrew Harnik/AP)

US vice president Mike Pence has forcefully defended law enforcement but made no mention of the black Americans killed by police this year as he addressed Republican convention proceedings.

Wednesday evening’s featured speaker, Mr Pence argued that Democratic leaders are allowing lawlessness to prevail from coast to coast.