New York City's Times Square was cleared late on Saturday night after a car with smoke pouring from it was later found to contain materials thought to constitute a car bomb. A mounted police officer was tipped off to smoke coming from the sport utility vehicle at 6.30pm on Saturday (0830 AEST, Sunday)- subsequently the bomb squad were sent to investigate the contents of the car on 45th Street.
Deputy Commissioner Paul J. Browne, the Police Department’s chief spokesman, said a device found in the SUV truck "appears to be a car bomb left in a Pathfinder between Seventh and Eighth”, the New York Times reported.
The Times quoted police saying the device contained “explosive elements” that included “propane tanks, some kind of powder, gasoline and a timing device.”
Reports said a 'flash' was seen before the fire in the popular tourist spot, while unconfirmed reports said a man was seen running from the scene. However, Mayor Michael Bloomberg later said there was currently no evidence from CCTV cameras to suggest a suspect was seen fleeing
Speaking to the press, Bloomberg praised police officers, while adding it appeared to be an amateurish job, with no immediate suspects... police were investigating reports that the Nissan Pathfinder's license plates did not match the car's registration.