A CHILLING note from Uber driver who killed eight in a New York truck rampage read ‘ISIS lives forever’, reports claim.

Sayfullo Saipov, 29, from Uzbekistan, is said to have left letters and a picture of an ISIS flag behind before mowing down cyclists with his rented truck and being shot and wounded by cops.

52 This is the moment police pinned the suspect, named as Sayfullo Saipov, down after he drove the equivalent of 14 blocks, mowing down people using a cycle lane Credit: Twitter

The "lone wolf", who is thought to have moved from Uzbekistan to Tampa, Florida, in 2010, allegedly sped along for nearly a mile before jumping out of the vehicle brandishing a fake gun in each hand and screaming "Allahu Akbar".

Officials discovered the flag and notes inside the truck after the deadly rampage, the New York Post reported.

Reports vary over how many notes were found and in what languages.

But one bore a pledge of allegiance to the sick jihadi group, reading “ISIS lives forever”, according to NBC.

52 Saipov, pictured in the street moments before being shot in the stomach by cops Credit: Twitter

Several people dead following terror attack in lower Manhattan, New York which saw a truck mow down pedestrians

52 The rented Home Depot truck that ploughed into cyclists on a bike path in New York City Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 A body covered by a sheet lies on the bike path among the mangled wreckage of bikes Credit: AP:Associated Press

Video allegedly shows New York terror attacker after mowing people down with a truck in lower Manhattan

New York governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed Saipov was “associated with ISIS”, adding that he was “radicalised domestically”.

A Belgian national and five Argentine citizens are among the eight people killed, while at least 11 more were injured in the deadliest terror attack in New York since 9/11.

Witnesses have described seeing people screaming in panic as horrifying images showed bodies and bikes strewn across the ground.

Police say Saipov drove the rented Home Depot truck down a popular cycle lane on the busy West Side Highway, just a few blocks from the new World Trade Center, at just after 3pm local time.

What we know so far:

Eight people have been killed and 11 injured in a terror attack in New York City on Halloween

A rented pickup truck careered down a busy cycle path for almost a mile at 3.05pm (7.05pm GMT) close to the World Trade Center in Manhattan before smashing into a school bus

The suspected driver fled the vehicle brandishing a paintball gun and a pellet gun in each hand, while witnesses claim he shouted "Allahu Akbar"

The suspect was shot in the stomach by police and was rushed to hospital - he is expected to survive

The suspect was named by law enforcement officials as Sayfullo Saipov, 29, who is understood to have moved to Tampa, Florida, from Uzbekistan in 2010

Officers confirmed they were treating the incident as a terror attack

A Belgian national and five Argentine citizens are among the eight people killed in the deadliest terror attack in New York since 9/11

Two adults and two children were injured on a school bus after the terror truck smashed into it, with one of the kids believed to be in a critical condition

President Donald Trump tweeted that the New York terror attack was carried out by a "very sick and deranged person" and added that "we must not allow ISIS to return, or enter our country"

The vehicle crushed cyclists and pedestrians before slamming into a school bus, injuring two adults and two children on board.

One of the kids is understood to be in a critical condition.

Six people were killed at the scene while two more died when they got to a nearby hospital.

52 The truck smashed into a school bus before it came to a stop and the attacker fled on foot Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 At least eight people were killed after a truck mowed down cyclists and pedestrians Credit: Fox News

52 Bikes can be seen scattered across the road after the suspected terror attack Credit: Reuters

52 A NYPD police officer stands over a body covered by a sheet at the horrific scene on Tuesday Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 The suspect is pictured running along with what looks like a weapon Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 The alleged attacker can be seen with an object in each of his hands Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 A New York cop sits on top of the suspect after he was shot by officers Credit: AP:Associated Press

Belgium's Foreign Minister Didier Reynders confirmed a Belgian national had been killed in the atrocity, but didn't give any further details on the victim.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "I am deeply saddened to announce a Belgian victim in Manhattan - I express my condolences to the family and friends.

"My thoughts are with the victims of the attack in New York."

And the German government said a female German citizen is also among the injured, although no details were given on her condition.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, wrote on Twitter: "Horrified at the evil terrorist #ManhattanAttack. Our hearts go out to the victims + families. From Berlin to NYC: We stand with you."

52 The damage caused to the side of the school bus when a truck smashed into it Credit: Reuters

52 Firefighters and police examine the bus, in which four people suffered injuries Credit: Reuters

52 Forensic officers are carrying out a joint investigation of the scene with the NYPD and the FBI Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 An injured man is taken away by paramedics on a stretcher after being caught up in the crash Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 Paramedics tend to a woman at the side of the street after people were mowed down by a truck in New York Credit: Reuters

52 The rented pickup truck ploughed into cyclists in Lower Manhattan, close to a school

Argentina's foreign ministry confirmed the deaths of Hernan Diego Mendoza, Diego Enrique Angelini, Alejandro Damian Pagnucco, Ariel Erlij and Hernan Ferruchi.

A sixth Argentinian man with the group named as Martin Ludovico Marro is being treated at the Presbyterian hospital in Manhattan, the ministry added.

The pals were celebrating the 30th anniversary of their graduation from Polytechnic College in the city of Rosario in central Argentina.

A statement from the Argentine Consulate in New York said: "Argentina reaffirms its strongest condemnation of terrorist acts and violence in all its manifestations and reiterates the need to deepen the fight against this scourge."

After slamming his rented truck into the school bus, the attacker then got out of his vehicle waving a paintball gun and a pellet gun in each hand.

52 A young girl cries after the terror attack in New York City last night Credit: AFP or licensors

52 Parents pick their kids up from a school which was put on lockdown after the attack Credit: Reuters

52 Members of the public cried as they desperately tried to get through to loved ones Credit: Reuters

52 Worried mothers pick up their kids from school after the terror attack Credit: Reuters

He was then heard to shout "Allahu Akbar" - which means "God is great" in Arabic - according to the NY Times.

The suspect was then shot in the stomach and taken into police custody.

A police bomb squad scoured the truck but found no explosives.

Officials say Saipov, who has a Florida licence but may have been living in New Jersey, was taken for surgery and is expected to survive.

Lower Manhattan terror attack timeline of events described by New York Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill

52 Footage shows passers-by helping an injured cyclist lying on the side of a road

52 Emergency crews attend the scene on West Street in Manhattan, New York Credit: Reuters

52 The wreckage of the truck sits near the school bus that it slammed into Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 Officers in forensics suits are examine the scene of the attack last night Credit: Reuters

52 The mangled wreckage of the rented truck used in the attack is cordoned off Credit: Reuters

52 Cops take pictures of as they gather evidence at the scene of the attack Credit: AP:Associated Press

It later emerged Saipov had been working as an Uber driver after passing a background check, according to a spokeswoman for the app.

In a statement, the firm added: "We are horrified by this senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with the victims and their families.

"We have reached out to law enforcement to provide our full assistance."

He has since been banned from the Uber app.

Kobiljon Matkarov, a fellow Uzbek, also told the New York Post Saipov was a "very good guy" and had been living in New Jersey as recently as this summer.

Online records reportedly show the suspected attacker has a minor criminal record in Pennsylvania and Missouri, for traffic offences.

He had reportedly previously worked as a commercial truck driver and had lived in Ohio.

No terror group has yet claimed responsibility for the rampage.

US President Donald Trump has described the attacker as a "very sick and deranged person" as he condemned the atrocity.

Multiple people gunned down in lower Manhattan, New York say police

52 Sayfullo Saipov, 29, has been named as the suspect who mowed down and killed cyclists on a New York bike path

52 Saipov was shot and wounded by cops but is expected to survive Credit: AFP or licensors

52 The terror suspect is pictured in a mugshot after failing to pay a traffic citation in 2016 Credit: AFP or licensors

Writing on Twitter, he said: "In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!"

He later added: "We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!

"My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!"

The Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, described the attack as "a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians going about their daily lives".

52 Hernán Diego Mendoza (far left), Alejandro Damián Pagnucco (second from left), Ariel Erlij (third from left), Diego Enrique Angelini (second from right) and Hernán Ferruchi (third from right) were all killed in the attack Credit: Facebook

52 Hernan Mendoza - Victim in the New York terror attack. Credit: Facebook

52 Alejandro Damián Pagnucco, pictured with what is believed to be his family, was killed Credit: Facebook

52 Argentine Diego Angelini lost his life in the terror atrocity Credit: Facebook

52 Ariel Erlij was one of five Argentinian tourists killed in the New York attack Credit: Facebook

Video shows crashed truck in lower Manhattan, New York following deadly shooting

52 Cops stand over the body of a victim after the atrocity Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 An officer stands next to a mangled bike and a body covered with a sheet Credit: AP:Associated Press

Broken bicycles lie on the ground after truck ploughed down cycle lane in lower Manhattan, New York

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said it was a "lone wolf" attack, and there was no evidence it was part of a wider plot.

Barack Obama said on Twitter: "Michelle and I are thinking of the victims of today's attack in NYC and everyone who keeps us safe. New Yorkers are as tough as they come."

PM Theresa May tweeted: "Appalled by this cowardly attack, my thoughts are with all affected. Together we will defeat the evil of terrorism. UK stands with #NYC."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan paid tribute to the victims, saying: "London stands in grief and solidarity with the great city of New York tonight after the despicable and cowardly terrorist attack in Manhattan.

"My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

"New Yorkers are strong and resilient - I know they will not be cowed by this assault on the innocent, and on our shared values and way of life."

Injured people lie on the ground following shooting in Manhattan, New York

52 Forensic officers carrying out their investigation into the atrocity Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 As dusk fell over the city, dozens of emergency vehicles remained at the scene Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 Emergency personnel carry a man into an ambulance after the attack Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 Senior detectives analyse the scene as bikes can be seen strewn across the road Credit: Rex Features

52 The devastating atrocity happened just metres from the banks of the Hudson river Credit: AP:Associated Press

The Foreign Office said it is standing by to provide assistance to any Brits that may have been affected by the atrocity, although it was not aware of any.

Witnesses described the horrific scenes and told how they believed the incident was a "Halloween prank".

Manhattan restaurant chef Eugene Duffy was crossing a street when he heard something, turned back and saw the pickup truck on the bike path.

He said he saw the bodies of two men on the ground, their bikes mangled.

He told how he ran south and saw a yellow half-size school bus that appeared to have been smashed into, with firefighters trying to get the children out.

Chen Yi, an Uber driver, said: "I saw a lot of blood over there. A lot of people on the ground."

New York terror attacker who drove truck down cycle path in lower Manhattan has been named as Sayfullo Saipov

52 Police remained at the cordon Halloween night as the city was urged to continue as normal Credit: Getty Images - Getty

One person said: "Jesus! A car just ran over 2 people and then crashed into a school bus. I see two dead bodies and citibikes on the floor destroyed."

Another said: "What happened was there was a car crash… he came out of one of the cars. He had two guns.

"We thought it was a Halloween thing. He started running around the highway. There was another guy in a green shirt that was chasing him around.”

Eyewitness Tsewana Bhuli said: "I saw a little boy aged about 12 on a stretcher. I saw an elderly person on a stretcher, too.

"I don't know what happened, but the police are saying we are still not safe and pushing us back."

Rafael Avramovitz said he got a panicked call from his 12-year-old daughter, Leah, at a nearby school.

He said: "I rushed down here. You can't be too careful nowadays.

"She was scared. She said they'd put the school on lockdown.

"Now I can't get close to pick her up."

Man near New York attack describes screams from terror attack he heard in lower Manhattan

52 The lights on the spire of One World Trade Center turned red, white and blue Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the move was in 'honour of freedom and democracy' Credit: AP:Associated Press

Yelitza Colori, 19, said: "I was on my way to class. I heard five gun shots - they just went boom.

"Then everybody started running.

"I didn't see anyone injured but people were running.

"I didn't see a suspect but I saw all the police arrive."

Tom Gay, a school photographer, heard people saying there was an accident and went down to West Street, where a woman came around the corner shouting, "He has a gun! He has a gun!"

Gay said he stuck his head around the corner and saw a slender man in a blue track suit running on West Street holding a gun with someone chasing him.

He said he heard five or six shots, and the man in the tracksuit fell to the ground, gun still raised in the air. He said a man came over and kicked the gun out of his hand.

52 New York's annual Halloween parade went ahead despite the attack Credit: Getty Images - Getty

52 There was heightened security at the event, just a mile from the site of the attack Credit: Getty Images - Getty

52 Heavily armed cops guard revellers at the Halloween parade just hours after the attack Credit: AP:Associated Press

52 Police added extra officers and heavy weapons teams along the parade route Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The city's annual Halloween parade, which attracts tens of thousands of people,went ahead at 7pm (11pm GMT) about a mile from the scene of the atrocity.

Police added extra officers, heavy weapons teams and sand trucks as protective blockers along the parade route.

But officials are emphasised that New Yorkers should feel safe.

Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio told residents to go about their business and not be deterred.

And New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the lights on the spire of One World Trade Center turned red, white and blue in "honour of freedom and democracy".

52 Police at the scene of the terror attack in Lower Manhattan Credit: News Group Newspapers

52 Emergency services raced to the scene in New York City this afternoon Credit: News Group Newspapers

52 An aerial view of the horrific scene of the terror attack in New York Credit: AP:Associated Press

Snapchat user claims New York police 'shot down' a suspect after lower Manhattan incident