Explosion At Starbucks

NEW YORK - Windows were shattered and a bench destroyed at a Starbucks on Manhattan's Upper East Side early Monday morning.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says an explosive-like device, possibly containing fireworks,  went off outside the store at 3:30 a.m.

There are no injuries.   Kelly says there are no witnesses to the blast.

The NYPD bomb squad was called to the scene at 1642 Third Avenue at 92nd Street.

Speaking at the scene of the explosion Monday morning, Kelly told reporters there was no call to police before the explosion. Seven calls to 911 came in immediately following the explosion.

There is a history of low-order explosions outside Starbucks stores across the country, said Kelly.

The city has experienced other early morning explosions in recent years. Small explosions occurred at the British consulate in May 2005 and Mexican consulate in October 2007. A small blast occurred at the military recruiting station in Times Square in March 2008.

Before each of the explosions, a bicylcist was seen in the area.

Police Commissioner Kelly says the only similarity between Monday morning's explosion and other small blasts in New York City is the time. All have occurred between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Police investigators say no one was inside the shop at the time of the explosion.  There is no damage inside the store.

An apartment building above Starbucks was evacuated. Seven people were forced from their homes and returned hours later.

No one was injured in the blast.

Several lanes of Third Avenue near 92nd Street were closed due to a massive police investigation.  Expect bus diversions in the area of the explosion.  The M 98, M 101, M 102 and M 103 bues are re-reouted.