Terrorists with pushchairs 'planning New York attack'

TERRORISTS using pushchairs packed with explosives are planning an attack on New York City's subway network within days, city leaders warned today.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg today gave more details on the bomb threat made public yesterday and said police had launched more intense searches of baggage, briefcases, pushchairs and luggage.

But Homeland Security officials in Washington downplayed the threat late last night, saying it was of "doubtful credibility".

However, one law enforcement source said the threat involved the possibility terrorists would pack a pushchair with explosives, among other potential bombing tactics.

New York officials responded by mobilising police officers to begin looking through commuters' strollers, bags, briefcases, and luggage.

"This is the first time we have had a threat with this level of specificity," Mr Bloomberg said, adding that he still felt secure enough to take the subway home.

But in Washington, Homeland Security Department spokesman Russ Knocke said: "The intelligence community has concluded this information to be of doubtful credibility. We shared this information early on with state and local authorities in New York."

A counter-terror official said the intelligence was considered doubtful because it did not reflect "on-the-ground, detailed" information.

He said the intelligence was similar to "what can be found on the internet and a map of New York City".

City officials said the threat had been known since Monday, but had kept the information quiet until two or three al-Qaida suspects were arrested in Iraq within the past 24 hours. Once the arrests were made, officials felt they could go public, the official said.

Authorities are concerned there may be al-Qaida operatives in New York connected to the plot.