More arrests after Turkey bomb attack

Turkish police have arrested more suspects in connection with the bomb attack on a busy pedestrian avenue in Istanbul that killed six people, Turkey’s justice minister has said.

Sunday’s explosion targeted Istiklal Avenue – a popular thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants.

Turkish authorities blamed the attack on the outlawed

Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, as well as Syrian Kurdish groups affiliated with it. The Kurdish militant groups have denied involvement.

Police carried out raids in Istanbul several hours after the blast and detained 48 people, including a Syrian woman who is suspected of leaving a Tnt-laden bomb at Istiklal.

Police said the woman, identified as Ahlam Albashir, had crossed into Turkey from Syria illegally and has admitted to carrying out the attack.

Yesterday, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said the number of suspects in custody has increased to 50, but did not provide details.

The state-run Anadolu Agency said police yesterday detained two brothers.