Major explosion in Istanbul, several killed over 15 injured

Istanbul: As many as 10 people have been killed and over 15 injured in an explosion in a district of Istanbul which is famous popular for tourists.

The incident took place just after 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) in the city's historic Sultanahmet district, close to the Blue Mosque. Some reports suggest the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber. Ambulances rushed to the scene and police have sealed off the area.

In recent months there have been sporadic attacks by a far left group in Istanbul, while violence has soared between Turkish forces and PKK Kurdish militants, mainly in southeast Turkey, after a ceasefire broke down.