US 'in close contact' over car bombs

US authorities are in “close contact” with their UK counterparts over the car bombs discovered in London, the US Department of Homeland Security said today.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the discovery posed “no specific” threat to the US, but urged members of the public to be vigilant.

He said law enforcement and intelligence officials were closely monitoring the situation.

“We have been in close contact with our counterparts in the UK regarding the suspected explosive device discovered in a vehicle in the London Haymarket area,” Mr Chertoff said.

“Our law enforcement and intelligence officials are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation.”

He went on: “At this point, I have seen no specific, credible information suggesting that this incident is connected to a threat to the homeland. We have no plans at this time to change the US threat level.

“DHS and the FBI have been in touch with our state and local homeland security and law enforcement partners to convey available information.

“We encourage the public to enjoy the upcoming holiday but ask, as always, that they be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.”