Boston mourns marathon dead

Balls of newspaper flew around in the wind on Boston's Boylston Street on Tuesday amid angry mourning for the three dead and more than 140 injured from the twin bomb attack on the city's famed marathon.

The finish line of the world's oldest international marathon remained sealed off as police imposed tight security along the central street and around the city, closing one metro station and carrying out bag checks on trains and buses.

Police hunted for clues in Boylston Street which was still strewn with debris from the two bombs in the cold spring wind blowing through the city.

Some of the 27,000 race participants went as close as they could to the finish line to pay tribute. "I am leaving today but I had to come," said Lea Elliasson, 55, who came from Sweden to take part in the tragic 117th Boston marathon.

AFP