At least 2 killed, 23 injured in two explosions at the Boston Marathon

Latest information is that at least two people are dead and 23 injured, some very seriously in two explosions Monday at the Boston Marathon finishing line three hours after the winners crossed it, seconds apart. The casualty figure may rise.

One of the bombs appeared to occur in the nearby Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. Boston bomb squads were directed to the scene of the explosions, buildings evacuated and the area cordoned off. Boston air space has been closed. Boston authorities conducted a controlled explosion of a suspicious package. An unconfirmed report has just come in of another explosion at the JFK Library in Boston.  Citing a US intelligence official, the Associated Press reports two more explosive devices have been found at the Boston Marathon and are being dismantled.

The other runners were redirected from the route as spectators covered in blood were treated at the medical tent set up for the race. New York Police deployed counter-terrorism police around Manhattan landmarks, reports say. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said police were stepping up security in response to the Boston blasts. President Barack Obama has been notified. The Secret Service have closed the pedestrian walkway in front of the White House in Washington DC.

The Boston Marathon with 5,000 runners from many countries is one the most prestigious events in the world.