Manila, Dec. 3 -- The United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York is on lockdown Thursday because of an armed suspect outside the building.

Police cordoned off the area along 42nd Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan where the entrance to the international building is located.

The New York Police Department issued an advisory asking people to avoid the area, citing "a police investigation".

"Expect emergency vehicles in the surrounding area. Traffic along the FDR Drive is affected. Use an alternate route if traveling in the area," it said.

UN's security also issued a warning to all staff, diplomats, and journalists not to leave the building due to the "security situation" outside the building.

The suspect has been pacing with a shotgun ...