Small bomb explodes in Times Square

NEW YORK: A small bomb caused minor damage to an empty military recruiting station in Times Square early yesterday, shaking guests in hotel rooms high above "the crossroads of the world".

Police blocked off the area to investigate the explosion, which occurred at about 3:45 am. No one was injured. The blast left a gaping hole in the front window and shattered a glass door, twisting and blackening its metal frame.

Authorities said at a news conference that a witness saw a person on a bicycle wearing a backpack and acting suspiciously, but that no one saw a person place the device in front of the recruiting center.