Teen shot and buses torched in Manhattan after historic NBA championship win for Knicks

Teen shot and buses torched in Manhattan after historic NBA championship win for Knicks 11 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Alys Davies Reuters A teenager was shot and buses destroyed during chaotic scenes in New York City that marred jubilant celebrations for the Knicks' historic NBA championship win. The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in game five on Saturday to clinch the title for the first time in more than half a century. The game was in Texas, but New Yorkers took to their hometown streets in droves to toast the milestone for fans and the city. As crowds swelled into the early hours, gunfire rang out near Times Square, a 17-year-old was wounded and a school bus that had transported World Cup fans was torched. It is unclear if anyone was hurt in that incident. Knicks owner James Dolan had called for restraint following his team's victory against the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday night. "We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they're celebrating, we want them to have a great time," said Dolan, interrupting Knicks player Josh Hart's news conference. "Please be safe. Don't get hurt, don't hurt anybody." But celebrations turned violent as fans spilling out of bars and viewing parties clashed with officers in Midtown Manhattan. Watch: "The greatest day of my life" - Knicks fans celebrate in San Antonio In a statement to the BBC, the NYPD said crowds became "increasingly destructive" with "many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behaviour". Five yellow school buses were set alight or destroyed with bats and people jumping on them, the force said. They had been used to shuttle World Cup football fans back to Times Square following a match between Brazil and Morocco. Revellers were photographed swarming and climbing on to the roofs of the buses, with some also getting inside the vehicles and posing for photos. Bystanders gathered around one of the buses, some taking pictures and videos, as it was engulfed in flames. Getty Images Getty Images Police cars were also targeted, the NYPD said, with some people using bats to damage them and jumping on top of them, shattering windshields. Gunshots were reported near 42nd Street and Broadway at around 02:00 EDT (06:00 GMT), prompting people to run for cover. A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot, officials said. Preliminary reports indicated no fatalities. Other instances of disorder included four slashings and stabbings, destruction of private vehicles, people lighting fireworks in large crowds, brawls and crowds refusing to disperse, police said. Sixty-three people were arrested, the NYPD said. Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. Reuters Reuters A large number of police officers were deployed in Manhattan, including some on horseback, who were tasked with dispersing crowds later in the night.