Monsey stabbing: Several wounded at home of New York rabbi

Several people have been stabbed at a house close to a synagogue in New York state, reports say.

The house in Monsey, north of New York city, belonged to a rabbi, according to the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council (JPAC).

At least five people, all Jewish, were taken to hospital with stab wounds, the council said.

The motive for the stabbing was not clear. The attacker fled and police are reported to be searching the area.

In a tweet, JPAC said one of the victims had been stabbed at least six times.

Reports said the incident happened during a Hanukkah party at the house.

The New York Police counter-terrorism unit said it was "closely monitoring" the reports.