Nick Ansell, a sports journalist for The Standard, found himself caught up in the aftermath of the city's deadliest attack since September 11, 2001.

"I was in the general vicinity of the attack – about a kilometre away," Mr Ansell said from the US.

"I walked out of a shop and saw about 10 police cars absolutely blaring past."

Mr Ansell said he knew there had been an incident when he heard a conversation between security staff and police officers.

“I rushed back inside and jumped on some wi-fi and basically just googled New York,” he said.

“I knew pretty much as soon as that brought up hundreds of stories from American media that it was something pretty serious.”

Mr Ansell said at the time he didn’t fear for his safety.

“You’re sort of just on autopilot when you hear about it but it sort of makes me question if I’m safe walking around the streets now,” he said.

“I’ve caught myself wondering ‘is this safe?’ when using the subway and being in a crowded place and that’s a bit full on."

Eight people were killed when a truck ploughed into cyclists and pedestrians on a bike path next to the Hudson River.

"It was pretty confusing as to what was going on and there wasn't a lot else different - it was still hustle and bustle. I think the majority of people were just oblivious to what was happening."

Mr Ansell said New Yorkers were struggling to come to terms with the deadly incident. "They're really firm and strong in how they speak about terrorism but you can tell its rattled the city," he said.

"It's pretty terrifying to know you can be caught up in something like that, especially just as a tourist minding his own business."

Mr Ansell said the victims were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"It easily could have been me or anyone else," he said.

Security has been ramped up in the city following the attack, with an increased police presence.