Video and photographs from Boston show a scene of confusion, with emergency services descending on the scene and bloodied spectators being taken to a medical tent.

“There are a lot of people down,” said one runner quoted by AP news agency.

The incident reportedly came about three hours after the winners crossed the line.

AP said there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the bridge that marks the finish line. Another loud explosion could be heard a few seconds later.

Stragglers heading for the finish line were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.

The Eastern Massachusetts branch of the Red Cross has set up a disaster response centre in the area.

via BBC News – Boston Marathon hit by explosions.

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