New York boosts security around UN after mysterious manhole incidents

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has stepped up security around the United Nations General Assembly after a series of puzzling incidents in which people were seen entering and exiting manholes across the city.

Authorities said the heightened measures followed an episode early on 23 September when three unidentified individuals emerged from a sewer in a neighborhood where many world leaders staying in New York are based. "Their motives remain unclear," the police statement added, and all three managed to flee.

Widespread, unexplained pattern

For months the NYPD has been baffled by similar occurrences: surveillance footage repeatedly captures people descending into or coming up out of manholes in multiple neighborhoods. The pattern has drawn extra attention given the concentration of visiting delegations for the General Assembly.

Police also reported that, in a related development, two suspects were arrested yesterday in connection with a similar incident and were charged with unauthorized access and conspiracy.

Officials said the stepped-up presence near the United Nations aims to deter further incidents and reassure diplomats and visitors while investigators continue to review video evidence and seek witnesses.

Photo: AP)