At least 36 people have been killed in an attack on the main airport in Istanbul, a senior Turkish official has told the Associated Press.
Three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up at the international terminal of Ataturk Airport, Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin told NTV television.
Several witnesses reported two explosions but Mr Sahin said authorities believed there were three bombers.
Mr Sahim said some 60 people were wounded. Six of those sustained serious injuries, the state-run Anadolu Agency said.
Two of the attackers detonated their explosives when police fired at them, a second official said, citing information from the interior ministry.
A witness told NBC News that he saw a police officer diving to tackle one of the attackers - who then detonated his bomb.
Two of the attackers detonated their explosives when police fired at them, a second official said, citing information from the interior ministry.
A witness told NBC News that he saw a police officer diving to tackle one of the attackers - who then detonated his bomb.
Chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel said: “We spoke to a witness, someone who works at the airport and he was with a passenger, he’s a porter and he heard the first explosion.
“He said it happened outside the international departure and arrival hall. He heard that first explosion and saw people running.
“He was running with them then he looked over and saw a police officer diving to tackle a second bomber, then that second bomber blew himself up. Witnesses believe a police officer was killed.
“Then much more panic, more running, then a short time after that a third explosion. All of them outside and this is an incredibly busy airport.”
The attack is understood to have happened near the airport entrance - before the assailants would have gone through security checks.
Justice minister Bekir Bozdag speaking in the Turkish parliament earlier on said, He could only confirm one attacker, based on initial information.
"According to information I have received, at the entrance to the Ataturk Airport international terminal a terrorist first opened fire with a Kalashnikov and then blew himself up," Mr Bozdag said.
“He said it happened outside the international departure and arrival hall. He heard that first explosion and saw people running.
“He was running with them then he looked over and saw a police officer diving to tackle a second bomber, then that second bomber blew himself up. Witnesses believe a police officer was killed.
“Then much more panic, more running, then a short time after that a third explosion. All of them outside and this is an incredibly busy airport.”
The attack is understood to have happened near the airport entrance - before the assailants would have gone through security checks.
Justice minister Bekir Bozdag speaking in the Turkish parliament earlier on said, He could only confirm one attacker, based on initial information.
"According to information I have received, at the entrance to the Ataturk Airport international terminal a terrorist first opened fire with a Kalashnikov and then blew himself up," Mr Bozdag said.
Duygu, a German woman who was at the airport narrated the incident by saying "Everyone started running away. Everywhere was covered with blood and body parts. I saw bullet holes on the doors."
Dead bodies on the floor
Another passenger told the Associated Press that she hid under a counter after hearing an explosion and a loud bang. A Foreign Office spokesman said it was "urgently seeking further information" following the attack.
"Our staff in Istanbul and London stand ready to support any British nationals affected," he said.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack was aimed at undermining Turkey through the killing of innocent people.
Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan
"It is clear that this attack is not aimed at achieving any result but only to create propaganda material against our country using simply the blood and pain of innocent people," he said.
Flights to the airport have been diverted.
British Airways flight BA680 from London Heathrow to Ataturk was returned to the UK in the wake of the blasts.
Turkish Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim
He continued by saying the wounded victims were seriously injured and that they are being taken to the hospital for further treatment.
In recent months Turkey has suffered several attacks linked to Kurdish or Islamic State group militants.
The attacks include two bombings targeting tourists in Istanbul, which authorities blamed on IS.
The attacks include two bombings targeting tourists in Istanbul, which authorities blamed on IS.
Hilary Clinton
US Democrat Presidential Candidate, Hilary Clinton in her words said, “Today’s attack in Istanbul only strengthens our resolve to defeat the forces of terrorism and radical jihadism around the world,” she said in a statement. “We must deepen our cooperation with our allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe to take on this threat.”
Barack Obama, US President
Donald Trump, Repuclican Presidential Candidate
The Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said “terrorist threat has never been greater” as he reacted to the shocking events in Turkey.
Trump said “Our enemies are brutal and ruthless and will do anything to murder those who do not bend to their will.
“We must take steps now to protect America from terrorists, and do everything in our power to improve our security to keep America safe.”
Some images of the happenings at Istanbul airport:
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