Developing story: At least eight dead as pick-up truck ploughs through bike lane in Manhattan

Eight people have been killed and several others injured after a pick-up truck ploughed into a bicycle lane before opening fire on passers-by in lower Manhattan, New York, this evening.  According to local media reports, the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack, with investigations being taken over the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).The number of injured is expected to rise, authorities said.

The driver is reported to have exited the vehicle with what appeared to be a gun and was later shot by the police. He has been taken into custody and is currently receiving treatment in hospital. No other suspects are currently being sought, the police said.

Witnesses described seeing bike parts along the path along the West Side Highway and the Hudson River, as first-aiders and medics treated the injured.

"What I saw was that the driver -- he didn't look like he was bleeding," Ramon Cruz, a witness, told CNN. "He was dragging his foot. He looked frustrated, panicked, confused. People are running past me, saying, 'He's got a gun. He's got a gun." I didn't see any gun.

Police have urged people to avoid the area as a major emergency services operation is under way.

The White House said President Donald Trump had also been briefed on the incident. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," said press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

On his part, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio described the attack as "a cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians".

Retailer Home Depot confirmed it had rented out the truck from one of its outlets.