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Armed police descended on LaGuardia International Airport as flights were diverted and bemused travellers were hurriedly evacuated out of the airport as chaos reigned. A man reportedly parked a vehicle outside and then ran away, prompting airport security to fear it may have been laden with explosives.

TWITTER The incident has caused chaos at the aiport

The truck, a black SUV, has now been towed away from the scene by officers. The entirity of Terminal B has been closed while officers attempt to render the scene safe and flights coming into LaGuardia have been diverted.

New York is on high alert after recent terrorist attacks in Manhattan, just 10 miles away, which saw a pipe bomb detonated, injuring 29 people. Police at the Queens airport have reportedly not yet declared the situation safe or made any official comment. But Port Authority spokeswoman revealed: “LaGuardia Airport Terminal B is closed and passengers have been evacuated and vehicle traffic is being diverted away from the terminal. “This is to investigate an abandoned vehicle parked near the terminal. No further information available at this time.”

TWITTER LaGuardia Airport is on high alert after man 'parks truck and runs away'

TWITTER This is the suspicious vehicle allegedly parked outside by a man who then ran away

One bemued traveller, Dan Chen, Tweeted: "Just landed at LGA and entire arrivals have been closed and there are soldiers with AR-15s everywhere." Reports now suggest police officers have cleared the scene and passengers are slowly being allowed to return inside the terminal. The crackdown came just days after Ahmad Rahami was arrested on suspicion of planting a series of bombs around Manhattan and New Jersey.

TWITTER There were fears on Twitter that another terror attack was taking place