EXPLOSION REPORTED IN MANHATTAN; NEW YORK POLICE SAY ONE PERSON IS IN CUSTODY

The New York Police Department (NYPD) was responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin on Monday (Dec 11) morning in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, according to the police department's official Twitter feed.

Several people were injured, according to the New York Post citing law enforcement sources. 

One person has been arrested, according to reports.

Three major subway train lines were being evacuated.

The New York fire department said it was responding to an incident at the Port Authority bus terminal in midtown Manhattan. 

Police have taken one man into custody, who was allegedly wearing a device with wires on him.

In a tweet, the New York City mayor's office said that the mayor has been briefed on the incident. It added that the NYPD, New York City Fire Department and first responders are on the scene. 

The NYPD is investigating the explosion as a possible terrorism incident, according to law enforcement officials.

The suspect was carrying a homemade explosive device that appeared to be a pipe bomb of some kind, officials said. Investigators are trying to determine if the device may have detonated prematurely, or partially, when it exploded inside a subway station at 8th Avenue and 42nd street, officials said. The suspect, who was injured in the explosion but was expected to survive, was described as an immigrant from Bangladesh, officials said.