An unattended, suspicious van near New York's Times Square on Wednesday forced police to evacuate a few nearby buildings and block traffic in the area before it was confirmed the vehicle was just carrying clothing and a table.

Emergency services personnel inspect a van that has been declared a "suspicious vehicle" near Times Square in New York December 30, 2009.[Xinhua]

Times Square, which is the venue of a grand New Year celebration on Thursday, has been reopened to traffic after a bomb squad found no explosive devices in the van.

The van located on the west side of Broadway between 41st and 42nd Streets had no license plates, a bogus placard suggesting it belongs to a non-existent New York/New Jersey agency, and tinted windows.

The suspicious vehicle also forced local transportation authorities to alter subway service lines.

Police officers on patrol noticed the van around mid-morning Wednesday. They are now attempting to locate the van's owner.

Members of the media and pedestrians inspect a van that has been declared a "suspicious vehicle" near Times Square in New York December 30, 2009.[Xinhua]