Emmy awards cancelled as security tightened

America was tonight put in a heightened state of security alert and the Emmy awards, television’s equivalent of the Oscars, were cancelled after the first strikes on Afghanistan.

In New York, the principal target of the September 11 terror strikes, security at airports was stepped up and extra police officers deployed onto the streets, but life continued largely as normal.

There had been reports that a complete ‘‘lock-down’’ of the city had been planned when the first military action took place but tonight Mayor Rudolph Giuliani decided to keep the city moving.

In Los Angeles, the organisers of the Emmy awards announced the ceremony, scheduled for late tonight, had been cancelled.

It had already been delayed by three weeks following the suicide hijackings which destroyed the World Trade Centre and part of the Pentagon.

A spokeswoman for CBS, the channel which had been due to broadcast the three-hour show, refused to comment on the cancellation.

National Guard troops were also being deployed for the first time at many airports across the country, including the busiest hubs.

The soldiers, the equivalent of the Territorial Army, had been deployed over the last few days and arrived at many airports for the first time today.

Americans have been warned there is a ‘‘100%’’ chance of more terrorist attacks, and mastermind Osama bin Laden tonight gave a chilling warning that there would be more action from his al Qaida organisation.

He said: ‘‘I say by God the great, America will never dream, nor those who live in America will never taste security and safety, unless we feel security and safety in our lands and in Palestine.’’

Security precautions have included closing off streets around the White House, preventing parking in front of government buildings and searching everyone who goes into high-profile buildings.

And as a precaution tonight, vice-president Dick Cheney was taken from the White House to a secure secret location.

New York has had the highest security in place for the last three weeks, with more than 4,500 armed National Guard soldiers on call and police officers drafted in from other cities.

But tonight the city was largely continuing as normal and still trying to get back to normal life.

Tourist destinations including Times Square and the Empire State Building were busy and there was no sign of people staying at home.

Tomorrow is Columbus Day, a holiday which is usually marked only by government agencies and schools, and which traditionally includes a parade in New York.

The parade is due to go ahead unchanged and will be the biggest gathering of people in New York since the destruction of the twin towers.

It will pay tribute to the firefighters, police and emergency workers who died in the World Trade Centre attacks.