The two bombs that exploded at the Boston Marathon have raised fresh alarms about terrorism in the US.
LOCALS in Dorchester have gathered to mourn an eight-year-old boy died who died watching his father run in the Boston Marathon.
Two bombs exploded in the packed streets near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today, killing at least three and injuring more than 144 in a terrifying scene of shattered glass, bloodstained pavement and severed limbs at the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon.
Martin Richard, 8, was killed in the blast and his mother and one sister were badly injured while another sister is reportedly unharmed. The young boy was standing with his mother and sisters waiting to watch father Bill cross the finish line, boston.com reports.
There was no word on the motive or who may have carried out the attack, and police said they had no suspects in custody. However, at least two people are "talking with police".
At the White House, President Barack Obama vowed that those responsible will "feel the full weight of justice.''
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5.07pm: FBI and Homeland Security agents who searched the Water's Edge apartment complex were seen leaving the Revere house carrying brown paper bags, plastic trash bags and a duffel bag.
The Revere Fire Department was called in to assist State Police in the search of the apartment unit of a "person of interest," according to a statement from the department.
Police and federal officials exit an apartment complex at 364 Ocean Avenue in Revere, Massachusetts with a possible connection to the earlier expolsions during the Boston Marathon.
5pm: Boston "will not be business as usual" Tuesday after the terrorist attack and police presence will be heavy in the city. MBTA subway riders can expect random bag searches.
The closed-off area spans the length of Boylston between Berkeley Street and Massachusetts Avenue, and on either side of Boylston from Newbury Street to Huntington Avenue, a section nearly a mile long and three blocks across.
"That area is pretty much going to be locked down," Governor Deval Patrick said at a press conference.
"It's not going to be easy, simple, or regular. And, I think, in most cases, people are not going to have access to that area."
4.58pm: The postponement of Monday night's NHL game between the Bruins and Ottawa Senators, and the cancellation of Tuesday's NBA game between the Celtics and Indiana Pacers - both events to be held in Boston - were the most tangible reactions by sports officials to the explosions.
3.45pm: While it has been a grim tragic day in Boston, it's not all bad news with citizens offering each other free drinks and a place to stay.
From the cop who ran towards disaster to help a little boy to the professional hockey player Keith Yandle who wrote a prayer on his blades, tragedy brings out the best in some.
3.40pm: In Iraq, the withdrawal of US troops head of elections has been marred by violence with 50 people dying in dozens of bomb blasts across the country.
3.30pm: More brutal details are emerging about the bombing which is being treated as a "potential terrorist" attack, Agence France-Presse reports.
The two explosions 13 seconds apart threw victims into the air as the famed race came to an end, tearing the limbs off some.
Rescue personnel aid injured people near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon following the explosions.
Surgeons worked into the night to treat the horrific injuries from the two powerful blasts, which were about 91 metres from each other.
Some people had arms and legs torn off at the scene. Several victims had "traumatic amputations" at the race medical tent or in hospitals, said Alasdair Conn, head of emergency medicine at the city's Massachusetts General Hospital.
3.20pm: Worried about how to explain today's tragedy to your children tonight? You're not alone, our experts have some great tips on how to handle things on the home front.
3.10pm: The eight-year-old boy who is among the three people authorities have confirmed died in the Boston blast, has been named as Martin Richard, boston.com reports.
The Dorchester local's mother and sister were also badly injured in the tragedy. Another sister was said to be unharmed.
A Saudi man reportedly held under police guard in hospital was tackled and then detained by a person in the crowd who spotted the man running from the scene. He is reportedly a student but according to boston.com investigators did not categorise him as a suspect.
3.00pm: The Boston Globe is reporting that a wounded city that will be open for business amid very tight security with heavily armed police patrolling the streets and bag searches in place.
2.40pm: Authorities have confirmed that the continuing police search of an apartment in Revere is part of the investigation into the explosions at the Boston Marathon, The Associated Press reports.
Massachusetts State Police have confirmed that a search warrant was served Monday night local time but provided no further details.
Injured people lie on the bloodied footpath after a bomb blast. Picture: AP
2.38pm: Social media websites have been inundated with tributes and messages of support for those affected by the Boston tragedy.
"Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss," tweeted US President Barack Obama.
2pm: Police are continuing to search an apartment in the suburb of Revere, near downton Boston. There is a large police presence in the area, the Associated Press says.
1. 55pm: Investigative reporter Kathy Curran has tweeted these images of police inside and outside the popular Westin Hotel near the race site on Boylston Street.
Investigative reporter Kathy Curran tweeted this photo of US law enforcement officials inside Westin Hotel in Boston. Picture: Kathy Curran/Twitter Source:
Investigative reporter Kathy Curran also tweeted this picture of police cars outside the Westin Hotel. Picture: Twitter/ Kathy Curran Source:
1.45pm: The devices used in the tragic Boston Marathon explosion were most likely small, homemade bombs, the Mail Online reports.
Initial tests showed no use of C-4 or other high-grade explosive material, federal law enforcement officials say.
1.20pm: The moments of chaos as emergency services scrambled to get help to those hurt in the dual bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon has been revealed.
An audio feed of calls between ambulance officers and dispatch teams in Boston paints a turbulent scene, in which medical services rushed to the aid of the wounded.
"Bring as many ambulances as you've got," one officer is heard saying on the feed.
1.10pm: Security for the Sydney marathon will be closely reviewed after the Boston Marathon bombs.
Athletics Australia said security at the event in September would be beefed up.
Chief executive Dallas O'Brien said the association had "deep concerns" for all the Australians at the event.
12.57pm: In breaking news, federal, state and Boston police are searching an apartment in Revere, near downtown Boston.
As it happens: Runners and audience-members scramble as the bomb blasts through the street. Photo: Dan Lampariello / DobsonAgency
12.40pm: The Boston Marathon bombs may have been packed with ball bearings, which could explain why so many victims lost feet, calves and ankles in the horrific explosions, the Mail Online reports.
Surgeons at hospitals across Boston are reportedly pulling the pieces of metal shrapnel from the bodies of the injured.
CNN has reported doctors have been forced to perform amputations and treat injuries "normally seen on a battlefield" and remove ball bearings from victims, "suggesting the bombs were designed to propel shrapnel", according to a terrorism expert involved in the post-blast investigation.
The BBC reports that investigators suspect the bomb devices were made up of "ball bearings packed inside something inside metal trash cans".
More than 140 injured are being treated in casualty centres across Boston.
12.10pm: Hospitals report at least 144 people injured, at least 15 of them critically after Boston Marathon blasts.
11.45am: Australia's terrorism alert level will remain at medium following the Boston bombings.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said there was no evidence that any Australians had been hurt in the "horrible tragedy".
A man lies injured. Picture: AP
"As President Obama said this morning we do not know who did this or why and it will be a little while longer until the facts become clear," Ms Gillard said.
She said the Consulate-General in New York had been addressing the safety of Australians in Boston as a "paramount" concern.
"We do not have any evidence that any Australians have been hurt in this incident," Ms Gillard said.
11.37am AEST: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the five suspect devices examined since the marathon blasts are not likely to be bombs.
11.35am AEST: Bill Iffrig, 78, is the man many will remember from the tragedy of the Boston Marathon. Blown off his feet by the blast, he got up to finish the race.
11.21am AEST: Boston Police Commissioner Davis has posted on Twitter: "I offer my sympathies to the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Those responsible will be brought to justice."
An injured woman is tended to at the finish line. Picture: AP
11.18am AEST: CNN has posted an updated casualty list: Three killed, 141 injured, 17 in critical condition, 25 are serious. At least eight are children.
11.07am AEST: Boston's Police Commissioner Edward Davis said: "We will turn every rock over to find the people responsible for this."
10.57am AEST: AT least three people are dead following dual bombings at the Boston marathon. Around 100 people have been injured. Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis confirmed the updated numbers this morning at a joint press conference with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Commissioner Davis said the area surrounding the blast site was in lockdown as the area was searched for further bombs. Boston Police said they do not have a suspect at the moment.
"We are still actively pursuing every suspect we have," Mr Davis said.
"This is a very powerful blast there were very serious, serious injuries."
10.55am AEST: Governor Patrick has said there is no suspect for the bombing. However, there are two people "assisting police."
10.50am: AEST: Governor Deval Patrick has spoken with media. He says the FBI has taken charge of the investigation. The National Guard has secured that crime scene and is limiting access to it.
Governor Patrick says the City of Boston is open and will be open tomorrow but it will not be business as usual - heightened law enforcement presence. "Everyone must have a heightened state of vigilance," he said.
"Look out for suspect bags, parcels and packages.
"I have heard this afternoon of residents in Boston and along the route of extraordinary kindness shown to runners and others.
"From the President down we are all coming together to do everything we can to get to the bottom of this.
Smoke fills the air after the explosion. Picture: AP
10.41am AEST: Department of Homeland Secuirty head Secretary Napolitano has issued a statement:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this incident in Boston, especially the families and loved ones of those injured. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond and at the President's direction, the Department of Homeland Security is providing any support necessary in this ongoing investigation. We encourage the public to be vigilant, and to listen to direction from state and local officials."
10.32am: In breaking news, five unexploded bombs have now been found in Boston, the Wall Street Journal is reporting.
10.20am AEST: CNN is reporting police are searching for Penske truck that tried to gain access to marathon route before blasts, but was turned away. Other reports suggest they are also looking for a "darker skinned or black male with a black backpack" who was turned away from a restricted area shortly before the Boston blasts.
10.18am AEST: Dr Richard Wolfe, chief of the department of emergency medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, says one or two of the hospital's 21 patients faced a "high probability of mortality.''
10.04am AEST: WBUR reports most cases at the Mass. General Hospital are leg amputations. They are reportedly mostly people who had just finished the marathon.
9.59am AEST: CNN reports the total number of injured is now 132, 17 are critical and eight are children. So far 10 people have had amputations. Doctors are "pulling ball-bearings out of people' in the ER,", CNN tweeted.
9.53am AEST: The Boston Globe is now also reporting that authorities are questioning "a person of interest" in the marathon bombings at the Brigham and Women's Hospital.
9.42am AEST: Security for the London Marathon this weekend is under review after the explosions in Boston, British police have confirmed.
Medical workers aid injured people at the finish line. Picture: AP
9.39am AEST: CBS News reports that a two-year-old, a three-yearr-old, and a nine-year-old are among the youngest victims being treated at a Boston hospital.
9.34am AEST: The US Navy has said it is sending bomb disposal experts to Boston to help with disabling more explosive devices. The three-member explosive ordnance disposal team based at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, was sent to Massachusetts after state officials asked for help.
9.20am: Foreign Minister Bob Carr says DFAT is working very hard to establish whether any Australians have injured in what appear to be bombing.
"Certainly the fact that these explosions have been associated with the marathon would suggest it has been an attack by terrorists," he told reporters.
"Our people are in contact with hospitals, with local government and with the organisers of the marathon.
"At this moment we're anxious, but we hope for the news that no Australians have been affected."
9.10am: New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre has tweeted that he's OK after the two bombs exploded just five minutes after he completed the 42.2km run.
9.05am: Hobart runner Shane Mundy told the ABC he believed today's blasts would change the Boston Marathon forever.
"Yesterday I was on the finish line actually kneeling down on the finish line kissing the finish line so I could get a photograph, you'll never be able to do that again," he said.
One of the blast sites on Boylston Street near the finish line. Picture: AP
"You'll never be able to get near that finish line without going through security. I can just see it, it will become a nightmare.
"This is one of the great marathons of the world … and it will never be the same."
Mr Mundy said he was on the top floor of his hotel near the finish line when the blasts went off and "the whole room shook".
8.52am: The White House does not yet know who planned and carried out explosions at the Boston marathon but is handling the incident as "an act of terror," a White House official says.
"Any event with multiple explosive devices - as this appears to be - is clearly an act of terror, and will be approached as an act of terror," the official said.
"However, we don't yet know who carried out this attack, and a thorough investigation will have to determine whether it was planned and carried out by a terrorist group, foreign or domestic," the official said.
8.46am: Race officials confirmed 23,326 athletes had started the Boston Marathon with thousands still out on the course when the explosions went off.
8.45am: Boston's WCVB TV is reporting that a "Saudi national" was chased from the scene of explosion and is now being questioned by the FBI.
Medical workers and authorities work on the scene. Picture: AP
8.43am: The head of an extremist Jordanian Muslim Salafi group says he's "happy to see the horror in America''.
"American blood isn't more precious than Muslim blood,'' said Mohammad al-Chalabi, who was convicted in an al-Qaeda-linked plot to attack US and other Western diplomatic missions in Jordan in 2003.
8.40am: British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, after today's Boston bombings.
The security plans for Margaret Thatcher's funeral, which takes place tomorrow, will also be reviewed.
8.32am: One of the victims of those killed in Boston was an eight-year-old child, a law enforcement official has told NBC News.
8.30am: Nuclear power plants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have increased security after the bombings.
This comes as the Federal Aviation Administration created a no-fly zone over the site of two explosions.
8.23am: Prime Minister Julia Gillard has offered her condolences to the families of those killed in the Boston bombings.
"It will be some time before we know the full extent of what has occurred but these explosions have cast a long shadow over one of the world's great sporting events, Ms Gillard said in a statement.
Members of the Massachusetts National Guard wait for orders on Boston Common. Picture: AP
"The Australian Consulate-General in New York is making urgent enquiries to determine whether any Australian citizens may have been involved in this attack.
"They are unaware of any Australian casualties.
"Australian runners were scheduled to compete. DFAT is currently contacting these athletes to confirm their safety."
8.20am: President Barack Obama urged people not to jump to conclusions.
"We still do not know who did this and why. And people should not jump to conclusions. But make no mistake. We will found out who did this and why they did this. Any responsible group or individuals will feel the full weight of justice.
"We're still in the investigation stage. But I just want to reiterate: We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable."
He did not use the word "terrorism" to describe the bombings.
8.16am: US President Barack Obama says he is "supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other and move forward as one proud city."
"We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
8.11am AEST: ABC America reports at least 86 people have been hospitalised. Other reports say up to 20 of the victims are children, the youngest reported being three-years-old.
8.03am AEST: Boston Police have announced that they do not have a suspect in custody.
7.59am AEST: A picture is circulating on twitter purporting to show an arrest scene in the public park near the Boston marathon finish. The content has not been confirmed.
7.50am AEST: The United States Senate has held a moment of silence for the Boston bombing victims.
7.47am AEST: Boston police now say the explosion and fire at JFK Library appears not to be related to attacks at marathon
7.45am AEST: President Obama will make a statement at 6.10pm local (8.10am AEST)
7.43am AEST: Boston PD has evacuated the emergency room of Tufts Medical Centre. The remainder of the hospital remains open.
7.39am AEST: CBS news reports Boston police as having confirmed they have video of someone bringing several backpacks to the blast site.
7.38am AEST: The suspect being guarded at Boston Hospital is believed to be aged 20.
7.37am AEST: Boston Medical Centre reports having 20 patients related to the bombing, including two children.
President Obama receives a briefing from FBI Director Robert Mueller on the Boston bombings. Source: Supplied
7.35am AEST: The Pentagon has reportedly sent fighter jets to guard Boston's city airspace.
7.33am AEST: Mass. General Hospital has reported having 22 patients in ER. Six are in a critical condition. Five are serious.
7.20am AEST: Suspicious packages have been located a mile from the Marathon bombing site.
7.15am AEST: The Boston Globe reports two have been killed, at least 90 injured.
7.14am AEST: Josh Cox, an elite runner and commentator for Universal Sports, told the BBC: "There were bodies, people laying on the ground. Some runners who had just finished who had just gotten by it were crying, understandably. It's tragic, absolutely tragic."
7.13am AEST: The final mile of the Boston Marathon had been dedicated to the Newtown families of the massacre victims. None of the family members were reportedly injured in the blast. A minute's silence was held for the Sandy Hook victims at the beginning of the race.
7.12am AEST: Boston officials said a number of parcels had been dropped along the parade route and were now being treated as suspicious. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said President Barack Obama had phoned him to inform him he would receive full cooperation from the FBI and other authorities. We are asking that people stay out of crowds and calmly make their way back home or to their hotels, he said.
7.01am AEST: AP reports the cellphone network has been disabled in Boston in order to prevent any further remote-controlled explosions.
6.59am AEST: Police have told media there has been a total of four bombs. Two detonated at the marathon finish site. There are reports of a fire at Boston's JFK Library (no injures were reported) . It is not confirmed as an explosion. Another device was located and deactivated by police.
6.58am AEST: The New York Post has identified the suspect as being a Saudi national. He is reportedly under armed guard in the Boston Hospital with shrapnel wounds.
6.49am AEST: The New York Post reports police as confirming a third explosion at JFK Library in Boston. It was unclear if the explosion was linked to the two earlier ones that took place at the marathon.
6.45am AEST: DFAT has issued the following phone number for people wishing to get in touch with relatives: 1300 555 135. They report no Australians have yet been identified among the dead or injured.
6.42am AEST: Authorities have a identified a suspect, who is currently being guarded in a Boston hospital with shrapnel wounds. Law-enforcement sources said at least the first explosion occurred in the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel.
6.40am AEST: NECN reporter Jackie Bruno posted on Twitter: "I saw people's legs blown off. Horrific. Two explosions. Runners were coming in and saw unspeakable horror."
6.37am AEST: GALLERY OF SOCIAL MEDIA PICTURES FROM THE SCENE
6.35am AEST: The New York Post is reporting 12 people have been killed by the blasts. An earlier police statement reported two confirmed deaths.
6.34am AEST: Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has told reporters: "This is a horrific day ... Stay away from Copley Square."
6.32am AEST: The Red Cross has established a website for those wishing to get in touch with loved ones. It may be difficult to access the site due to the demand being placed on it.
6.27am AEST: Boston police are saying they are becoming overwhelmed with 911 reports of unexploded bombs.
6.26am AEST: By AMANDA LULHAM
Fearnley said the two Australian athletes he had travelled with to Boston, including fellow Paralympian Christie Dawe, we safe and accounted for.
Local journalists were this morning reporting the medical tent at the race was being used to treat the injured.
People were also being encouraged to use Twitter to try and local loved ones to stop the phone system overloading.
6.24am AEST: President Obama has been on the phone with the Boston Mayor and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
6.23am AEST: There are reports two more devices have been discovered and are in the process of being dismantled. It is not sure if one of these is the bomb reported as being deliberately detonated earlier.
6.21am AEST: Worried about a runner in the marathon? Check where they were at the time on this website.
6.19am AEST: The Boston Marathon organisers have said on their facebook page that the explosions were caused by bombs.
6.16am AEST: The United States FAA has issued flight restrictions over downtown Boston.
6.15am AEST: The Secret Service has shut down Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House.
6.13am AEST: NBC News reports officials telling it that a "small homemade bomb is preliminary cause of explosion".
6.06am AEST: President Obama has ordered "whatever assistance is necessary" be given to Boston officials.
6.05am AEST: Reports vary at this early stage, but initial police reports state at least two people have been killed and 22 injured.
6.02am AEST: By AMANDA LULHAM
Paralympic champion Kurt Fearnley and a number of Australian athletes have been caught up in an explosion at the finish line of the famous Boston Marathon.
Just before 5am the wheelchair racer alerted family and friends via Twitter that he was safe.
Fearnley reported he was hearing there had been an explosion which was confirmed soon after.
He posted on Twitter: "Couple of freaky explosions from the Marathon finish line. Bit of a spin out?? Any news???"
The multiple Paralympic gold medallist, who has crawled the Kokoda trail and contested the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, said he had been speaking to an eyewitness.
"Friend just said he saw it & few people hurt bad. WTF. Hope it's not true," Fearnley tweeted.
Just after 5.30am Fearnley re-tweeted a call for blood donations near the sight of the famous marathon race.
6.01am AEST: Boston has called up all off duty and holidaying police officers. President Obama has received a briefing on the explosions.
5.59am AEST: Boston police have issued a statement following the explosions:
"We're stepping up security at hotels and other prominent locations in the city through deployment of the NYPD's critical response vehicles (CRVs) until more about the explosion is learned."
5.56am ASEST: Boston police have warned there will be a controlled explosion on Block 600, Boylston St.
5.53am AEST: Police have reportedly found a third unexploded bomb. The device is reportedly being detonated safely by police.
5.52am AEST: Fox News is reporting Boston Marathon bystanders saying they were struck by ball bearings during explosions
5.49am AEST: Boston is in lockdown with counter terrorism forces surrounding key landmarks. Emergency services have also issued a warning asking people not to use mobile phones in the fear they could be used to trigger further explosions.
EARLIER
"I saw two explosions. The first one was beyond the finish line. I heard a loud bang and I saw smoke rising," Boston Herald reporter Chris Cassidy, who was running in the marathon, told his newspaper.
"I kept running and I heard behind me a loud bang. It looked like it was in a trash can or something. That one was in front of Abe and Louie's. There are people who have been hit with debris, people with bloody foreheads."
"There are a lot of people down," one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina, told the Associated Press. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.
About 2.45pm local time (4.45am AEST), about three hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
A Boston Globe staffer said on Twitter that dozens of people have been injured.
Runner Laura McLean of Toronto said she heard two explosions outside the medical tent.
"There are people who are really, really bloody," McLean said. "They were pulling them into the medical tent."
Cherie Falgoust was waiting for her husband, who was running the race.
"I was expecting my husband any minute," she said. "I don't know what this building is ... it just blew. Just a big bomb, a loud boom, and then glass everywhere. Something hit my head. I don't know what it was. I just ducked."
