New York's historic Trinity Church and its neighbouring St Paul's Chapel, both of which survived the atrocities of September 11, 2001, have decided to step up security by putting in metal detectors because of 'the times we live in'.

According to CNN, church officials have been considering the change for a long time, with input from the congregation, so visitors 'may find the sanctuary they seek within our walls'.

Patti Walsh, chief communications officer for Trinity Church Wall Street, said: 'While it saddens Trinity to implement these measures, the times we live in necessitate this action. There is no imminent threat to Trinity or St Paul's, and planning for these new measures has been in the works for some time.'

Walsh added that there was not a specific incident that triggered the decision, but she noted that lower Manhattan is considered one of the country's top terrorist targets.

The area is in the centre of New York's financial district and only blocks away from where the 9/11 attacks took place.

The metal detectors, which were installed on March 1, will stay in place for the foreseeable future, Walsh said.

Visitors are being asked to submit to a physical search of purses, backpacks, briefcases, luggage and other large bags brought into the church or chapel, as well as pass through the metal detector.

American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton is buried in the church's graveyard.