The US has reportedly ratcheted up security at UK-related sites in its biggest city after the incident in London that British police are treating as a suspected terror attack.
Officers were from the New York Police Department were said to be taking “heavy weapons” to Grand Central Station, City Hall and other locations.
They were also stepping up security at the British Consulate and the British Mission to the United Nations, senior New York Police Department officials said at a news conference.
The White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, said that Donald Trump had spoken to British Prime Minister Theresa May. The State Department said that it had offered any assistance that the UK may require in the aftermath of the incident in Westminster.
“Long gun teams” have been deployed to the British Consulate, New York City Hall and Grand Central Terminal as an extra precaution, NYPD Assistant Commissioner J Peter Donald wrote on Twitter.
He added: “Strategically-placed resources have also been implemented throughout NYC.”
