One arrested after attempted terror attack in New York City

The moment an ISIS inspired terrorist exploded a pipe bomb in New York was captured on CCTV | WATCH

Members of the New York City Police Department investigate an address associated with suspected terrorist Akayed Ullah. Picture: AFP.

A 27-year-old immigrant from Bangladesh has been identified as the terrorist who botched a planned bomb attack in New York today, injuring three people.

Akayed Ullah, who lived in Brooklyn, was carrying an rudimentary pipe-bomb strapped to his body when it exploded as he walked in a crowded underground pedestrian tunnel at 42nd St and 8th Avenue in western Manhattan.

The blast was captured on CCTV cameras. It shows an explosion as Ullah walks amongst other commuters and then, when the smoke clears, he is seeing lying on his back.

The blast, which occurred during the morning rush hour, caused panic with commuters running for their lives as emergency services blocked off the area. The blast caused minor injuries to three people and left Ullah with more serious burns to his hands and buttocks. He was taken to hospital and then into custody where he is being questioned.

Authorities say it appears that he was inspired by overseas terror groups, including Islamic state. There are unconfirmed reports that he was motivated by Israel’s policies in gaza, and by Donald Trump’s decision last week to recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, according to CNN.

Ullah came to the US on a visa from Bangladesh seven years ago. He is believed to have made his bomb at work; earlier, it was thought he made it in his Brooklyn apartment.

New York mayor Bill do Blasio said the city was spared from a potentially deadly terror attack.

“When we hear of an attack in the subways, it’s incredibly unsettling,” Mr de Blasio said. “And let’s also be clear, this was an attempted terrorist attack. Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals.”

The NYPD deputy commissioner for counterterrorism and intelligence, John Miller said that the rudimentary pipe-bomb was ‘affixed to his person with a combination of velcro and zip ties.’

Investigators were trying to work out whether the device blew up prematurely or only partially.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, described the bomb as “an effectively low-tech device.” said he was grateful that the only injuries to victims were minor.

“The first news this morning was obviously very frightening and disturbing,” Mr Cuomo told reporters. “When you hear about a bomb in the subway station, it is in many ways one of our worst nightmares. The reality turns out to be better than the initial expectation and fear.”

It was the second terror attack in New York in two months. In late October, 29-year-old Sayfullo Sairpov drove a pick-up truck into a bike lane in lower Manhattan killing eight people.

Cameron Stewart is also US Contributor for Sky News Australia