New York bombing: What we know so far

At least 29 people have been injured in an explosion which rocked part of New York City in what officials believe was an "act of terrorism".

Here is what we know so far.

  • The explosion

The bomb could have been in a bin which was mangled in the blast. Credit: Reuters

An explosion was detonated at 23rd Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood in New York shortly before 9pm (2am BST).

The blast left debris scattered across the road and could be heard several blocks away.

The source has not been confirmed but police said initial investigations suggest it may have originated in a nearby dustbin.

The FBI and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating and 1,000 extra police officers have been deployed on New York's streets.

  • The injured

Firefighters at the scene Credit: Reuters

At least 29 people have been injured, one seriously.

None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

All have now been released from hospital.

  • What have eyewitnesses said?

One witness at the scene reported that the blast sounded like "thunder".

"It just sounded really heavy and if you were close...you felt it in your heart."

Debra Griffiths described how everyone began running after the blast: "Everybody that I saw was stunned, they were shocked."

  • Governor: Blast was 'act of terrorism'

Governor Cuomo said whoever was responsible would be 'brought to justice, period'. Credit: Reuters

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the blast was an "act of terrorism" but there was no evidence of a link to international terror groups at this time.

He told a press conference he wanted New Yorkers to feel safe as everything "and more" was being done to protect them.

"Whoever placed these bombs, we will find and they will be brought to justice, period.

"We will not allow these type of people and these types of threats to disrupt our life in New York. That's what they want to do, we're not going to let them do it."

There was initial speculation the explosion may have been caused by a natural gas leak but Mayor Bill de Blasio ruled it out.

  • Second suspicious device 'safely removed'

A second possible device was found at 27th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, police officials said.

A wide cordon was put in place and local residents were advised to stay away from windows.

It was removed safely by the NYPD bomb squad.

It was a pressure cooker connected to a mobile phone with wires attached, according to reports.

  • Blast not thought to be linked to earlier New Jersey pipe bomb

Investigation at the scene where pipe bombs were found in a bin in New Jersey. Credit: Reuters

The NY blast came just hours after a pipe bomb exploded in a dustbin placed along a 5km race route due to be run by Marines in New Jersey.

The race had been behind schedule, but authorities say they believe the bomb - one of three found in the bin - had been timed to explode as runners passed by.

Nobody was hurt, and officials have not said there is any link between the two events at this time.