Chaos in Manhattan this afternoon after police say a man driving a rented van mowed down cyclists and pedestrians along a bike path near the World Trade Center memorial.

A law enforcement official says at least six people were killed and nine injured. New York’s mayor says 8 people are dead.

The driver of the van is said to have emerged from the vehicle screaming and waving what turned out to be two fake guns.

Police say the vehicle, a rented Home Depot truck, entered the bike path on West Street a few blocks from the World Trade Center memorial and struck at least 15 people, leaving mangled bicycles behind.

At least two bodies could be seen lying on the path beneath tarps.

Police say the man was shot by officers and is in custody, and the official says the incident is being investigated as a possible case of terrorism.

(The Canadian Press)