Security beefed up across New York City

NEW YORK: American law enforcement authorities on Saturday stepped up security across the New York City after receiving an "unverified threat" of a possible radiological attack, but it did not affect the normal life.

Stating that the threat was "unverified," New York Deputy Police Commissioner Paul J Browne asserted that the increased vigilance was "strictly precautionary."

However, the city's terror alert status has not been changed.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) too said that there was no "credible" information about imminent threat of a terrorist attack on New York but cautioned that al-Qaeda remains intent on attacking the West.

Officials said they had increased deployment of radiological sensors especially around tunnels and bridges which are lifeline of the city as also on police boats, cars and helicopters.

They have also set up extra check points as strategic points after receiving the information that dirty bomb might go off in 34th street neighbourhood where the city's tallest building 'Empire State Building' is located.

The increased security followed a threat posted on a website, DEBKAFILE, while ABCNews quoting New York Police said it has often proved "unreliable."

Based on "a rush of electronic chatter on al-Qaeda sites," the website reported an alleged al-Qaeda threat naming New York, Miami and Los Angeles as potential targets of an attack. There were no reports of extra security in Miami and Los Angeles.

One alleged al Qaeda Internet post noted by DEBKAFILE said attacks would be carried out "by means of trucks loaded with radioactive material" in "America's biggest city and financial nerve centre."