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| New York has beefed up security after the Paris attacks |
TEAMS of police are rushing to New York amid fears the city will be hit by a fresh terror attack.
They have been dispatched to tourist hotspots and French government buildings in the wake of the Paris shootings and bombings.
At least 160 people are thought to have been killed in a series of co-ordinated attacks across the French capital last night.
New York – where nearly 3,000 people were killed by al-Qaeda terrorists in September 2001 – is considered a top target for attacks by Islamist militants.
Officers are on heightened alert at the World Trade Centre – the scene of the 9/11 attacks – as well as bridge, tunnels and railways.
A spokesman for the New York Police Department (NYPD) said the move to "provide police presence and public reassurance" was made out of an "abundance of caution".
Other law enforcement officials insisted there is "no indication that the attack has any nexus to New York City".
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| Bill De Blasio has been the mayor of New York City since 2014 |
But Bill De Blasio, the city's mayor, admitted the sobering attack was a reminder of the need to be "vigilant" for a possible follow-up attack.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said he directed state law enforcement officials to monitor the Paris "situation for any implications in New York state".
The spire at One World Trade Centre, the former site of the World Trade Building, was lit up last night with blue, white and red – the colours of the French flag.
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| The One World Trade Centre was lit up blue, white and red |
Other major cities including Boston, Chicago and Washington DC are also bolstering security.
Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel said: "Tonight the City of Chicago stands shoulder to shoulder with the City of Paris in the wake of today's despicable and horrifying attacks."
Boston was hit by a terror attack in April 2013 – with five people killed and 280 injured at the finish line of the country's marathon.
A spokesman for the Boston Police Department said: "We are encouraging officers to remain vigilant as they conduct their patrols."
San Francisco City Hall tonight, in solidarity with Paris. pic.twitter.com/TVRSnNMTsq
— Wendy Braitman(@wendybraitman) November 14, 2015
The NBA – the US' basketball league – is said to be heightening security measures at each of its venues for this weekend's games.
But a spokesman for the NFL – the American football league – said security would not be beefed up.
He said: "Security at our games is always at a heightened state of alert."
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