An explosion that ripped through a busy Manhattan neighbourhood injuring at least 29 people was an "intentional act", according to the authorities.
However, New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said there was no evidence the blast in the fashionable Chelsea district was terrorism-related.
Police scouring the area, following the explosion, found a possible "secondary device" nearby, which appeared to be a pressure cooker connected to a mobile phone with wires attached.
A piece of paper with writing on it was also found close by, according to CNN.
Mr De Blasio said early indications were that the explosion was "an intentional act".
But he added: "There is no evidence at this point of a terror connection.
"There is no specific and credible threat against New York City at this point in time from any terror organisation."
However, a Joint Terrorism Task Force, made up of different law enforcement agencies, has been called in to investigate, indicating the authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a terror link.
New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said of those hurt, 24 had been taken to hospital, including one person he described as seriously injured.
Initial investigations suggest the explosion, described as "deafening", occurred inside a bin or a construction toolbox.
Pictures from the scene showed a twisted and crumpled black metal box.
Witnesses say the explosion at about 8.30pm local time, blew out the windows of buildings and sent debris flying across the area.
Rudy Alcide, a nightclub bouncer, said: "It was an extremely loud noise, everything was shaking, the windows were shaking, it was crazy.
"It was extremely loud, almost like thunder, but louder."
President Barack Obama has been "apprised" of the situation, according to a White House official.
The two presidential candidates have also responded to the explosion.
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said the nation needed to support its emergency workers and "pray for the victims".
She added: "We have to let this investigation unfold."
However, her Republican rival Donald Trump was more forthright saying: "I must tell you that just before I got off the plane a bomb went off in New York and nobody knows what's going on.
"But boy we are living in a time - we better get very tough, folks.
"We better get very, very tough. It's a terrible thing that's going on in our world, in our country and we are going to get tough and smart and vigilant."
The explosion comes hours after a pipe bomb blast in Seaside Park, New Jersey, shortly before thousands of runners took part in a 5km charity race in aid of US Marines and sailors.
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