Suspicious package discovered in New York near UN leaders meeting
A SUSPICIOUS package was discovered in New York City this evening, not far from the building where United Nations leaders were currently meeting.
A suspicious package has been discovered in New York City
A bag was discovered at the junction of Second Avenue and East 55th Street, sparking a huge police response.
Witness Susan Sullivan said: "Roads blocked. Police everywhere, bag found in street. UN down the block. Sirens scream, nothing stop a New Yorker!"
An automatic police response Twitter account added: "MANHATTAN, NY| SUSPICIOUS DEVICE| 2ND AVE & E 55TH ST| FDNY STAGED FOR ESU INVESTIGATING SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE.| 15:23."
it came just two hours after Theresa May made her first speech at the UN as Prime Minister.
The street, located just a few miles from the United Nations Headquarters, was placed in lockdown.
Police stand guard near the UN Headquarters in New York
The discovery was made just days after 11 seperate bombs were found in New York and New Jersey.
In the wake of last weekend's incidents, which culminated the shootout and arrest of prime suspect Ahmad Khan Rahami, New Yorkers were asked to report anything they considered suspicious.
Roads blocked. Police everywhere, bag found in street. U N down the block. Sirens scream Nothing stop a New Yorker! pic.twitter.com/X1Ji4fuqKW
— Susan Sullivan (@realssullivan) September 20, 2016
In the days since, the number of people reporting suspicious items to authorities has nearly quadrupled.