NYPD 'closely monitoring' London explosion but says no direct threats to New York City

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The NYPD says it is closely monitoring the detonation of a homemade bomb on a subway train in London Friday morning.

"There are no direct threats to New York City," Police Commissioner James O'Neill said, but the department asks people "always remains vigilant" and be "aware of surroundings."

The department has tweeted as much on its various accounts.

Stil, the NYPD says it has moved extra officers, bomb-detection dogs and heavy weapons teams into the city's transit system as a precaution following the bombing.

Department spokesman J. Peter Donald said Friday that the NYPD is monitoring intelligence through a joint terrorism task force, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he's directed state law enforcement to increase transportation security at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems across New York.

"I don't want people to get nervous," Cuomo said. "No intelligence suggests any connection. This is just an ounce of protection. People may see that on their travels."

MTA police have deployed extra police coverage and expanded bag screening on the LIRR and Metro North, as well as in Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station. The additional security was visible both outside and inside the major commuter hubs.

Nassau and Suffolk counties released similar statements, saying they are increasing patrols in areas of concern.

While the explosion did not cause any fatalities, it did rattle nerves and remind riders that there are some types of attacks that are impossible to prevent.

"Simply the times that we are living in," commuter Liz Thompson said. "We need to get used to it, and I don't think any government anywhere can keep us completely safe."

They say all they can do is keep a watchful eye.

"I think I look around, if someone is exceptionally nervous," LIRR rider Rita Eidelkind said. "That may be the end of them, and I don't want it to be the end of me."

Police said the explosion in London was a terrorist attack, the fifth in Britain this year.