Obama says 'vital' that truth come out on Gray death

Washington: US President Barack Obama said today it was "absolutely vital" that the truth come out about the death of an African American man in Baltimore from injuries sustained while in police custody, after six officers were charged.

"It is absolutely vital that the truth comes out on what happened to Freddie Gray," Obama said at the White House after the dramatic revelation of the charges, which include second-degree murder and manslaughter.

"Justice needs to be served. All the evidence needs to be presented," Obama said, while noting he had not yet seen the specific charges filed and would not comment on the particulars of the case.

"What I think the people of Baltimore want more than anything else is the truth. That's what people around the country expect."