NEW YORK (AFP) - A male suspect waving a samurai sword in Apple's flagship store on New York's Fifth Avenue was tackled to the ground on Friday (Nov 20) but caused no casualties, police said.

The incident happened at 3.55pm (4.55am Saturday, Singapore time) with New York on alert after the Paris attacks ahead of the holiday season that formally kicks off with the Thanksgiving parade next Thursday.

"A male entered the store and displayed a sword. Security immediately stopped him and police responded and subdued him," a police spokesman told AFP.

He was transported by medics to Bellevue Hospital for evaluation. There are no injuries or charges at this time, police said.

Pictures surfaced on social media showing the man pinned face down at the store, surrounded by police.

Apple was not immediately available for comment.