At least three people have been killed and more than 130 others hurt after two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, police have said.
The blasts ripped through the crowd, with one explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish.
Another happened a few seconds later, about 50-100 metres away. They took place about two hours after the men's winner had crossed the line.
Cheering spectators lined the street and some runners were finishing the race as the drama unfolded.
The blasts happened at the end of the marathon By that point, more than 17,000 competitors had completed the marathon, but thousands of others were further back along the course.
TV helicopter footage showed blood on the pavement in the popular shopping and tourist area known as the Back Bay.
There were reports of a third blast at the JFK library a few miles away but that was later confirmed as a fire that was believed to be unrelated to the blasts.
Participants in the marathon were seen lying on the ground as the explosions tore through the finish line, sending smoke and debris soaring into the air.
A senior US intelligence official said two other explosive devices found near the end of 26-mile course were being dismantled.
Boston Police asked people to stay indoors or go back to their hotel rooms and avoid crowds as bomb squads checked parcels and bags left along the race route.
More than 130 people were injured Speaking at the White House, President Barack Obama said the tragedy was a "senseless loss".
He said Americans would say a prayer for the Boston people and he and wife Michelle "send our deepest thoughts and prayers" to the families of the victims.
He said the US did not know "who did this or why" but vowed that whoever was responsible "will feel the full weight of justice".
The President went on: "We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable."
A senior administration official told Fox News the White House believed it was a terror attack.
Police said no suspect was in custody, and Fox reported ball bearings were found on the street.
A bomb squad officer at the scene of one of the blasts Sky's Mark White said: "The ball bearings are likely to be shrapnel, leading to a growing suspicion the blasts were deliberate."
Some runners who had not finished the race were diverted down another road and into a family meeting area.
According to the Boston Marathon website, there were more than 25,000 registered entrants in the race, 374 of whom are British and there were also 108 Irish athletes.
The Federal Aviation Administration has warned pilots it had created a no-fly zone over the site.
Runners and race volunteers were crying as they fled the chaos. Smoke rose through international flags lining the route of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon.
British police are now reviewing security plans for this Sunday's London Marathon after the US blasts.
Member of the bomb sqaud investigates suspicious bag Video footage has emerged which showed the moment one of the explosions happened.
Police made their way through competitors as they ran towards the scene, and injured spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for tired runners.
Roupen Bastajian, a 35-year-old state trooper, had just finished the race when he heard the first explosion.
"I started running toward the blast. And there were people all over the floor," he said.
"We started grabbing tourniquets and started tying legs. A lot of people amputated. ... At least 25 to 30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing."
A map shows the crimescene perimeter set up by police A police officer was taken from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.
"There are people who are really, really bloody," said Laura McLean, a runner from Toronto, who was in the medical tent being treated for dehydration when she was pulled out to make room for victims of the explosions.
New York police have stepped up security around key landmarks in the city after the double blasts.
Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter: "The scenes from Boston are shocking and horrific - my thoughts are with all those who have been affected."
Boston Police said there is a helpline in the US for concerned relatives: 617 635 4500, and anybody with information about the blasts should call 1 800 494 tips.
The UK consulate in Boston said British Nationals in need of emergency consular assistance should call the Global Response Centre on 1 877 854 6872.
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