Statue of Liberty reopens on Independence Day

The Statue of Liberty, shut last year after Superstorm Sandy, has reopened to the public as Americans everywhere mark Independence Day.

Crowds are flocking once again to see the New York monument, which was swamped by tidal surges during the post-tropical cyclone in October.

Speaking at the ceremony, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the statue is "at the heart of what America really is all about".