With just a handful of days before the US presidential election, a potential threat has reportedly emerged in the form of possible Al-Qaeda plot to target New York, Texas and Virginia.

Much of the run-up to polling day has until now been dominated by coverage about possible attempts to intimidate voters by white supremacists and reports of efforts to keep certain communities, particularly African Americans, from casting their vote.

But CBS News said it had learned of a potential threat that could be timed for 7 November, the day before millions of Americans cast their vote after what has been a bitter, ugly election battle.

FBI Director James Comey has made the headlines several this election cycle (AP)

The Independent is unable to confirm the veracity of the reported theat. The US network said that US intelligence has alerted joint terrorism task forces and warned that Al-Qaeda could be planning attacks in three states for Monday. It is believed New York, Texas and Virginia are all possible targets, though no specific locations are mentioned, the network said.

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The sources reportedly stressed that the intelligence was still being assessed and its credibility had not been confirmed. But counterterrorism officials were alerted to the threat out of an abundance of caution.

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A senior FBI official told CBS News: “During holiday seasons and when big events are approaching, intelligence about potential threats always increases.The counterterrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States.

“The FBI, working with our federal, state and local counterparts, shares and assesses intelligence on a daily basis and will continue to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence community partners to identify and disrupt any potential threat to public safety.”