'Photos not linked' to NY attack

Police have released photos of the blast from a private security camera

US investigators are seeking fresh leads in their probe into a bomb attack on a military recruiting office, after no link was found with suspect photos.

The images, sent to members of Congress, showed a man in front of the New York office, with a card reading: "Happy New Year, We Did It."

An official told AP news agency it was an "unbelievable coincidence", but there was no apparent link.

The bomb went off on Thursday in Times Square, causing minor damage.

The suspect photographs are believed to have been posted by an anti-war protester.

Forensic and video evidence is being examined by police

Authorities have questioned the man who posted them but found him to be unconnected and no charges are expected, the law enforcement official told AP.

In a separate development, WNBC.com has reported that a possible link with a recent incident on the Canadian border is being investigated.

Last month four men were questioned by Canadian officials as they attempted to cross the border.

They tried to escape, and two of the men succeeded, leaving behind a backpack containing photos of the New York recruiting office, according to officials.

The authorities said it was a possible lead that would be pursued, but an official emphasised that there was nothing at the moment to link the men to the explosion.

Search for cyclist

The recruitment centre was empty at the time of Thursday's pre-dawn blast, which left a hole in the front window and shattered a glass door, twisting its metal frame.

No-one was hurt, but Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the device, though unsophisticated, could have caused "injury and even death".

Police are searching for a hooded man, who was seen on surveillance video, cycling away from the scene.

The recruiting centre - one of the busiest in the US - is on a traffic island in the middle of Times Square, and is surrounded by theatres and restaurants.