In the aftermath of the atrocity mobsters in the US city of New York have apparently reassured their communities that they will work to stop such an attack happening on their own streets.

Giovanni Gambino, the son of a key figure in the Gambino crime syndicate, said in a TV interview that people living in Mafia neighbourhoods should "feel safe".

He 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 organisation 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."

His comments came after police in southern Italy admitted that the Mafia has become a key ally in combatting terrorist plots in areas under its control.

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