Bomb kills 6 in busy city shops area

A BOMB exploded in the heart of Istanbul yesterday, killing six people and wounding dozens more.

A loud bang was heard and flames were seen as people fled the busy 1.4km Istiklal Avenue.

Footage showed ambulances, fire engines and police on the shopping street that leads to Taksim Square.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the blast a “treacherous attack” and said that the perpetrators would be punished.

He did not say who was behind it but it “had the smell of terror”.

It was later reported three people, including a woman, were suspected of being involved.

Vice-president Fuat Oktay said that 81 people were wounded.

SECURITY Army on scene