The weapon used to shoot dead US teenager Trayvon Martin is being put up for auction by the man who shot him.

The 17-year-old unarmed black teenager was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Florida in February 2012 following an altercation.

Mr Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting, but following a trial he was acquitted in July 2013.

The shooting and verdict sparked protests across the US.

On a website for gun sales, Mr Zimmerman has now put the pistol used in the shooting up for auction.

An auction description says that "the firearm for sale is the firearm that was used to defend my life and end the brutal attack from Trayvon Martin".

The listing also states that "now is your opportunity to own a piece of American History", and that some of the proceeds will be put towards efforts to end "Hillary Clinton's anti-firearm rhetoric".

The opening price for the 9mm pistol is set at $5,000.

In a statement to media, quoted by BBC, the Trayvon Martin Association said they would not comment on the auction.

"The Trayvon Martin Foundation is committed to its mission of ending senseless gun violence in the United States. This election season, we are laser focused on furthering that mission," the statement added.