Raids conducted in Times Square investigation

WASHINGTON - Federal investigators conducted raids Thursday in three northeastern states in connection with the probe into the botched car bombing of Times Square in New York.

Federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that search warrants were exercised in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts in pursuit of leads in the case arising from the May 1 attempt to explode a vehicle in New York City’s landmark shopping and entertainment centre.

“We can confirm that search warrants have been executed in several locations in the north-east in connection with the investigation into the attempted Times Square bombing,” authorities said in a joint statement.

A car packed with fuel, fireworks and other flamables, was left in Times Square but did not detonate. It was discovered by police after witnesses noticed smoke emitting from the sport-utility vehicle.

A naturalised US citizen from Pakistan, Faisal Shahzad, was arrested two days later awaiting take-off on an airliner leaving the country. He has been charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the Times Square incident, and has reportedly been cooperating with law enforcement.