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John F Kennedy International Airport's Terminal 8 was evacuated last night after reports of shots being fired - but all was not as it seemed.

After the area had been cleared following reports of "clapping and banging", the NYPD's Special Ops team tweeted: "All terminals searched & cleared.

"Negative results. All affected terminals will resume operations shortly.

"No shots were fired."

And now it appears we may know the reason for the initial panic.

(Image: Getty)

Authorities say reports of the shooting emerged at "around 9.30pm" US time - the same time that Usain Bolt won his 100m race and took home an incredible third-straight gold medal.

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(Image: Getty) (Image: @ThisIsZackYoung/twitter)

One passenger wrote on Twitter: "I've been stranded in JFK for 6 hours due to this. Thanks Usain."

Another wrote: "One person told authorities they heard gunshots, which were likely to be people celebrating Usain Bolt's latest gold. Lol."

(Image: REUTERS)

"Usain Bolt is so incredible he caused an evacuation at JFK tonight," said another user.

(Image: @ThisIsZackYoung/twitter)

One wrote: "They really shut down JFK because people were clapping and slamming walls/tables after Usain's run thinking it was gunshots."

(Image: AFP/Getty)

A statement from the Port Authority confirmed there were no gunshots.

The Jamaican has now become the first sprinter in history to claim three 100m Olympic titles.

Bolt, the current world record holder with 9.58 seconds, comfortably crossed the line in 9.81 - the slowest time out of any of his major 100m wins.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

America's Justin Gatlin , who was banned for doping offences, finished second - 0.8 seconds behind the winner.

(Image: REUTERS)

Andre De Grasse of Canada took the bronze medal crossing the line in 9.91 seconds.