The son of a Mafia boss has issued a stark warning to any would-be terrorists thinking of targeting New York.
In a TV interview, Giovanni Gambino, son of a key figure in the Gambino crime syndicate, suggested that Isis would be best off avoiding neighbourhoods in the Big Apple with Sicillian connections.
In the aftermath of the Paris terrorist atrocities mobsters have reportedly reassured their communities that they can "feel safe" as the Mafia will work to stop attacks happening in their neighbourhoods.
Mr Gambino said: "The world is dangerous today, but people living in New York neighbourhoods with Sicilian connections should feel safe.
"We make sure our friends and families are protected from extremists and terrorists, especially the brutal, psychopathic organization that calls itself the Islamic State.
"[The authorities] often act too late or fail to see a complete picture of what’s happening due to a lack of ‘human intelligence.
"The Mafia has a bad reputation, but much of that’s undeserved. As with everything in life, there are good, bad and ugly parts – the rise of global terrorism gives the Mafia a chance to show its good side."
The American Mafia has enjoyed a revival in recent years as presidential funding has been diverted away from fighting organised crime and into combatting terror threats, and New York's infamous "five families" - the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese, wield significant power in the city.
