New York steps up security after Brussels attacks

NEW YORK: New York and Washington DC stepped up security in the wake of the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday, deploying elite counter-terrorism reinforcements to crowded areas and train stations, police said.

The New York police department said there was no indication that the attacks in Belgium were connected to New York, but ordered the steps as America's biggest city of 8.4 million began the morning commute.

"These teams have been deployed to crowded areas and transit locations around the city out of an abundance of caution to provide police presence and public reassurance as we closely follow the developing situation overseas," the police department said in a statement.



In the US capital, metro transit police said additional K9 sweeps and patrols would start as a "precaution," adding that there was no known, specific or credible threat to Washington DC

New York police also took a swipe at proposed federal spending cuts on counter-terrorism, calling them "irresponsible" in the city that "is widely recognized as the nation's top terror target."



At least 26 people were killed and dozens wounded in bombings at Brussels airport and a metro station in the city on Tuesday that is home to the European Union and NATO.