Suspected car bomb found on New York's Times Square

Part of New York's Times Square has been sealed off in a security alert involving a suspected car bomb.

Police say they removed bomb-making material, including propane tanks, explosive powders and an apparent timing device from a parked SUV.

Part of the popular tourist area in the centre of Manhattan has been cleared of pedestrians.

In a statement, President Barack Obama praised the quick response by the New York Police Department.

The security alert was triggered when a police patrolman saw smoke coming from a black Nissan Pathfinder parked on 45th Street and Seventh Avenue at about 1830 (2230 GMT) on Saturday.

Correspondents say New York City police are on constant alert after a series of alleged terror plots in the wake of 9/11 attacks.

Suspect spotted

Police shut down several blocks of New York's busiest tourist attractions, as well as subway lines, while a robotic arm broke windows of the vehicle.

"There were explosive elements, including powder, gasoline, propane and some kind of electrical wires attached to a clock," police spokesman Paul Browne told reporters early on Sunday.

"No motive has been identified," he added.

Mr Browne also said officers were investigating a report that someone had been seen running and they are reviewing security videotapes.

The car's plates do not match the registration, he said.

FBI agents have joined NYPD investigators at the scene.

The White House said President Obama was being kept up to date on the investigation.

The most recent terror alert in New York City involved a plot to set off suicide bombs in the subway system.

Earlier this year an Afghan immigrant, Najibullah Zazi, and an associate, Zarein Ahmedzay, both pleaded guilty in connection with the attempt.

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