Al Qaeda plans to target three US states around election day, say intelligence officials

Al Qaeda may be planning terror attacks in several states the day before Americans cast their vote for the presidential election, according to intelligence officials.

Counter terrorism investigators are reviewing the information that the militant group is planning to strike in New York, Texas and Virginia, although there have been no specific locations mentioned.

The FBI and New York Police Department are taking the threat seriously by exercising an abundance of caution over the situation.

It is not clear how the intelligence came to the investigators and an NYPD spokesman said the information “lacks specificity” in a statement.

The threat comes just four days before polls officially open in the US, ending the fight between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump for the presidency.

An alert warning local police that “polling places” are being seen as “attractive targets” for “lone wolf” attacks was also issued earlier this week.

"During holiday seasons and when big events are approaching, intelligence about potential threats always increases. The counter-terrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States," a senior FBI official told CBS News.

"The FBI, working with our federal, state and local counterparts, shares and assesses intelligence on a daily basis and will continue to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence community partners to identify and disrupt any potential threat to public safety."