A man suspected of attempting to detonate a car bomb in New York City has been arrested.

US Attorney General Eric Holder named the man as Faisal Shahzad, a US citizen of Pakistani origin.

He was arrested at John F Kennedy airport in New York attempting to board a flight to Dubai, Mr Holder said.

The vehicle was left in Times Square on Saturday with a bomb made from fertiliser, fireworks, petrol and propane gas tanks.

The bomb was discovered and dismantled before it could explode.

Mr Holder told a news conference that investigators were pursuing "a number of leads", adding: "We will not rest until we have brought everyone responsible to justice."

He urged the American people to "remain vigilant" and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

A dark-coloured Nissan Pathfinder was left parked in Times Square on Saturday evening with its engine running and its hazard lights flashing, with a home-made bomb inside.

Mr Holder said it "would have been a deadly attack had it been successful".

He added: "It's clear that the intent behind this terrorist act was to kill Americans."

Times Square was packed with tourists and theatre-goers when a street vendor raised the alarm.

Police evacuated a wide area of the district and closed subway lines, while a controlled explosion was carried out.

Officials said the bomb was crude, but could have sparked a "significant fireball".