CNN bomb threat: New York mayor condemns 'act of terror' as explosive device sent to news network's building

New York police say package included apparent 'live explosive device' and an unidentified white powder that is being tested

CNN’s offices in New York have been evacuated over reports of a potential explosive device.

The device was sent to the Time Warner Center and discovered in the building’s mail room.

It comes after the US Secret Service said agents had intercepted suspicious packages addressed to former president Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The device at the Time Warner Center was “constructed with a pipe and wires” CNN reported. The New York Police Department said that the “device appeared live” before it was removed.

An envelope containing white powder was also discovered in the packaging, according to the New York Police Department.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio called it an “act of terror.”

Video posted on social media showed the moment CNN was forced to cut from its live broadcast, with one of the presenters telling viewers a fire alarm had gone off.

The US news channel had been in the middle of a discussion about the bomb threats against Mr Obama and Ms Clinton.

The Secret Service said neither former Democrat politician received the packages, and neither was at risk of receiving them because of screening procedures.

A US official told the Associated Press that investigators believe the explosive that was discovered near the Clintons’ home in Chappaqua, New York, is linked to one found on Monday at the compound of billionaire George Soros. The package discovered at Mr Soros’ home appeared to be a pipe bomb, according to officials.

The package addressed to Mr Obama was intercepted early on Wednesday by Secret Service agents in Washington DC.

The White House condemned “the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures.”

“These terrorising acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that that referred to the senders as “these cowards.”

Hillary Clinton was attending campaign events for Democrats in Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday and was not at the family’s New York residence at the time. Bill Clinton was believed to at the home at the time the package was intercepted at a Westchester County facility.