New York

New York ‘terror attack’ updates: Surveillance footage of explosion emerges

New Yorkers have woken up to a nightmare scenario: A likely targetted attack on one of City’s the busiest transport hubs.

New York

This is a live blog and will be updated as new information becomes available. Refresh your browser to see the latest updates. All timestamps SAST.

New York explosion: What we know so far

  • The blast was reported in the Midtown Manhattan area near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. People began running after hearing a loud booming sound.
  • Four people, including the man who detonated the bomb, were injured in the blast. Officials say none of the injuries are serious.
  • The bomb was a homemade explosive strapped to 27-year-old Akayed Ullah. It was detonated deliberately.
  • The suspect’s injuries have been described as “non-life threatening.”
  • The Port Authority Bus Terminal describes itself as the world’s busiest bus terminal and is no far away from the always packed Times Square. Three subway lines have been evacuated and some transport has been restricted due to safety concerns.
  • The Port Authority, the midtown bus hub used by millions of commuters, has already reopened.
  • New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has labelled the incident “an attempted terrorist attack”

20:42 Akayed Ullah has told investigators that he carried out the attack as a result of Israel’s recent actions in Gaza.

19:06 New York City has now reopened its subways and other public transport. Extra security is spread across the city. Busses have also returned to normal.

17:55 The first picture of the alleged attacker has emerged on social media. It shows him on the ground after he was handcuffed by police. The picture has not been verified, but it has been used by a number of publications. The New York Times also showed surveillance footage of the moment the bomb went off.

17:49 Reporting from midtown ManhattanThe Guardian‘s Jamiles Lartey and Paul Owen say dozens of police cars, armored trucks and fire department vehicles have swarmed and officers have blocked off stretches of 8th Avenue.

17:20 New York police have confirmed that they are currently combing through CCTV footage from inside the subway system.

17:00 Authorities have revealed more details on the injuries sustained by the three individuals near the explosion and the man wearing the bomb.

16:50 New York Mayor Bill de Blasio confirms the incident was “an attempted terrorist attack”

16:45 27-year-old Akayeb Ullah has been confirmed as the man who detonated the device. He was wearing an improvised explosive device which he intentionally detonated. Three other people in the immediate area sustained minor injuries.

 Here are some updates from Twitter…