At least 10 die, scores hurt as ‘suicide bomber’ strikes in Turkey

Ten people have been killed in an explosion in a tourist district of the Turkish city of Istanbul, officials have said. Ambulances were said to have sped to the Sultanahmet Square, next to the city’s famous Blue Mosque landmark, where the blast was reported. The blast went off at 10.20am, local time, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. The blast went off at 10.20am, local time, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. Police have sealed off the scene, which is near an obelisk in the area that is on the site of the ancient Roman hippodrome. Images from the scene appear to show several bodies on the ground. State run TRT TV station said a suicide bomber is thought to have been responsible. It is not known whether domestic or Islamic State terrorists are involved.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion, the type of explosion and perpetrator or perpetrators are underway.

Istanbul governor’s office

World Istanbul