The head of CNN criticises the US President for his attacks on the media after police intercepted suspected pipe bombs sent to the news network, former president Barack Obama, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other public figures.

Key points: The packages sent to Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama were intercepted during mail screening

The packages sent to Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama were intercepted during mail screening A live explosive device and white powder was sent to CNN's bureau in New York

A live explosive device and white powder was sent to CNN's bureau in New York New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says the incidents were "clearly an act of terrorism"

The office of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, also received a similar device, and CNN reported Eric Holder, who was US Attorney-General under Mr Obama, was also among those targeted.

Described as an act of terrorism by New York officials, the series of suspicious packages intercepted by police appeared to target political and media figures disparaged by right-wing critics and publicly scorned by Mr Trump and his administration.

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Mr Trump's campaign rallies frequently include chants of "CNN sucks" and has consistently called CNN and other outlets "fake news" and the "enemy of the American people".

CNN chief Jeff Zucker criticised Mr Trump and the White House for what he called "a total and complete lack of understanding" about the seriousness of their attacks on the media.

Mr Zucker tweeted that Mr Trump and his administration, have shown "no comprehension" that their words matter.

Earlier, at an event for opioid abuse, Mr Trump said threats of political violence have no place in the United States, promising a full investigation into the origin of the suspicious packages.

Sorry, this video has expired Mr Trump vows to get to the bottom of bomb packages scare.

"The full weight of our government is being deployed to conduct this investigation and bring those responsible for these despicable acts to justice. We will spare no resources or expense in this effort," Mr Trump said.

"In these times, we have to unify, we have to come together, and send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America."

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Mr Trump also didn't mention CNN or any of the officials targeted by the device.

"No one is mentioning the name [CNN]," said network analyst Gloria Borger after Mr Trump's appearance.

"It's as if it can't roll off the tongue unless you're complaining about it."

Sorry, this video has expired Donald Trump takes swipe at Democrats and media following bomb scare

Then speaking at a rally, Mr Trump then hit out at the media for their "false attacks and stories" to help "bring people together."

"We want all sides to come together in peace and harmony, we can do it," Mr Trump said.

"The media also has a responsibility to set a civil tone and to stop the endless hostility and constant negative and oftentimes false attacks and stories."

During the rally, the highly partisan crowd also erupted into a familiar "Lock her up!" chant directed at Mrs Clinton.

Less than two hours after the CNN offices were evacuated, Mr Trump's campaign sent a fundraising email to some supporters that specifically targeted CNN and urging recipients to fight back against the "fake news' attacks and bias against hardworking Americans".

'An act of terrorism'

New York Police Department's bomb squad arrived at the Time Warner Centre after a suspicious package was found. ( Reuters: Kevin Coombs )

The suspicious parcels, at least five in all, were intercepted before any reached their intended recipients, the FBI said, stating that none of the packages detonated.

In a statement, the FBI confirmed that they intercepted five packages, but said that "it is possible that additional packages were mailed to other locations."

The Time Warner Centre in New York was evacuated "out of an abundance of caution". ( AP: Richard Drew )

The five packages confirmed by the FBI in its statement were all described as similar in appearance, consisting of a manila envelope with a bubble-wrap interior containing "potentially destructive devices."

Each bore a computer-printed address label and six "Forever" postage stamps, the FBI said.

"This is clearly an act of terrorism," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference.

Sorry, this video has expired New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says bomb package deliveries are an act of terrorism.

The package sent to Mrs Clinton, the first to be identified by police, was found late on Tuesday (local time) while another package addressed to Mr Obama was found early on Wednesday, both during routine mail screenings, the Secret Service said.

Mrs Clinton who wasn't at her home — though her husband former President Bill Clinton was — said it was a sign of the current climate in the US.

Sorry, this video has expired Hillary Clinton reacts to suspected bomb packages sent to her

"We are fine, thanks to the men and women of the Secret Service who intercepted the package addressed to us, long before it made its way to our home," she said.

"But it is a troubling time isn't it, and it's a time of deep divisions, and we have to do everything we can to bring our country together."

CNN reporters began broadcasting from the street after the building was evacuated. ( AP: Kevin Hagen )

Police also intercepted a live explosive device and an envelope containing white powder at the Time Warner Centre, where the CNN newsroom in New York is based, Police Commissioner James O'Neill told the news conference.

Experts were analysing whether the powder was a dangerous substance, he said.

Sorry, this video has expired A bomb robot in the street near the office of Debbie Wasserman Shultz

CNN's Jim Sciutto and Poppy Harlow were on the air shortly after 10am, conducting a live interview about the devices sent to political leaders when the whooping sound of an alarm went off.

After the break, he and Harlow were gone. They had evacuated, and correspondent Rene Marsh was hurriedly put on the air from a Washington studio. Wolf Blitzer, pulling in to the parking garage in Washington as this was happening, soon joined her.

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In the weeks following the attacks of September 11, 2001, anthrax spores were mailed to news media offices and two US senators, killing five people and infecting 17 others.

The mail was intercepted at the mail sorting facility, and did not reach the Clintons' home. The FBI said it was investigating the package.

In a statement, the Secret Service said the package addressed to Mr Obama was intercepted by its agents in Washington.

The package which forced the evacuation of the Time Warner Centre was found in the CNN mail room, according to New York police and was addressed to former CIA director John Brennan.ar M periodic guest commentator on the cable network.

Mr Brennan, who has been an outspoken critic of Mr Trump, is a periodic guest commentator on the cable network but is actually a contracted analyst at NBC News.

In August, Mr Trump revoked Mr Brennan's security clearance in retaliation for the criticism.

The package was addressed to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at her New York home. ( AP: Seth Wenig )

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