A man has been taken into police custody after an explosion near Times Square in New York.
The New York Police Department said the explosion at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan was of “unknown origin”.
The NYPD is responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin at 42nd Street and 8th Ave, #Manhattan. The A, C and E line are being evacuated at this time. Info is preliminary, more when available. pic.twitter.com/7vpNT97iLC
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 11, 2017
In a statement on Twitter it said that three subway lines were being evacuated, adding: “Info is preliminary, more when available.”
The response was centred on the area of the Port Authority bus terminal.
Update regarding explosion at 42nd St and 8th Ave, in subway: One male suspect is in custody. No injuries other than suspect at this time. Avoid the area. Subways bypassing #PortAuthority and Times Square Stations. Info is preliminary. pic.twitter.com/bEAdjq8mYc
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 11, 2017
It is believed the suspected bomber was the only person injured.
ABC News, quoting police sources, reported that the explosion was caused by a “possible pipe bomb” detonated below ground.
President Donald Trump “has been briefed on the explosion in New York City”, his press secretary Sarah Sanders said.
Andre Rodriguez, 62, told the New York Times that he heard an explosion shortly before 7.30am.
He added: “I was going through the turnstile. It sounded like an explosion, and everybody started running.”
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