Blast outside British consulate in NY

An explosion in front of the British consulate in New York City has shattered windows but did not appear to cause significant damage or injuries,  reports CNN.

The blast occurred at 3:35 a.m. EDT Thursday (0735 GMT), a New York City police spokesman said.

Witnesses described hearing two loud blasts just seconds apart.

Police the consulate building on Third Avenue also houses other offices.

CNN said video

from the scene showed New York City bomb squad personnel examining a car with shattered windows parked on the street in front of the consulate, which has been sealed off by the police.

In Britain, voters are casting ballots Thursday in a general election which opinion polls say is likely to give Prime Minister Tony Blair a historic third term in office.