NBA win sparks NY unrest, teen shot at

63 people were arrested and 10 police officers injured as celebrations of the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in more than 50 years descended into violence across Manhattan.

Celebrations of the New York Knicks’ first NBA title in over 50 years turned violent in Manhattan early on Sunday, leaving a teenager injured, dozens arrested and several vehicles damaged.

The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game Five in Texas to seal the championship, prompting thousands of fans to flood New York streets. Despite appeals for calm from Knicks owner James Dolan, disorder erupt­ed in Midtown Manha­ttan as crowds leaving bars and wat­ch parties clashed with police. New York Police Dept said a boy, 17, was shot in the foot near Times Square at 2am. No fatalities were reported.

Police said five school buses used to transport FIFA World Cup fans were torched or vandalised, while patrol vehicles were damaged by people wielding bats and jumping on them. Four slashings and stabbings, destruction of private property, fireworks in crowded areas and multiple fights were also reported.

Sixty-three people were held for assaulting a cop, possessing a weapon, criminal mischief, bad conduct and resisting arrest. Ten cops we­re hurt. Officials said crowds became destructive, forcing a large police deployment to disperse revellers.

-Agencies