Times Square has been evacuated as police investigate reports of a suspicious package in the heart of Manhattan.

The NYPD confirmed the affected area stretches between West 43rd Street and 7th Avenue, and urged the public to avoid the location while emergency services remain on scene.

In a statement, police said:

“Due to an active police investigation, avoid the area of West 43rd Street and 7th Avenue in Manhattan within the confines of @NYPDMTS. Expect emergency vehicles and delays in the surrounding area.”

Pictures and video circulating on social media show large crowds being cleared from the square, with police units and emergency vehicles stationed across the area.

Traffic disruptions and significant delays are expected around Midtown Manhattan while the probe continues.

At this stage, no further details have been released on the nature of the suspicious package.

The Times Square evacuation comes as thousands of tourists and commuters were in the area during Monday afternoon’s rush hour.

Authorities have not yet confirmed when the area will reopen.

This is a developing story and updates will follow.