New York is hit by bomb explosion in Times Square

Published on Thursday 6 March 2008 12:22

AN explosive device damaged a military recruiting station in Times Square today and police blocked off the area to investigate.

The explosion shattered a glass entryway and members of the police department's bomb squad and fire officials gathered outside the recruiting station.

The device caused minor damage, and no one was injured, police said.

Witnesses staying at a hotel in the area said they heard a "big bang" and could feel the building shake. A large plume of smoke was also visible after the explosion, they said.

At one point in the investigation subway trains passed through the Times Square station without stopping, but normal service resumed with delays later in the morning. Police cars and tape blocked the streets.

Police said it was too early to say if the blast may have been related to two other minor explosions in the city.

In October, two small explosive devices were tossed over a fence at the Mexican consulate, shattering three windows but causing no injuries.

No threats had been made against the consulate, and no one took responsibility for the explosion, police said.