Bomb attack in Istanbul kills 6, injures 53

Six people were killed, and 53 others were wounded on Sunday (November 13) when an explosion rocked a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul.

President Tayyip Erdogan said the bomb attack "smells like terrorism," but there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that.

The area, in the Beyoglu district of Turkey's largest city, had been crowded as usual at the weekend with shoppers, tourists, and families.

A helicopter was overhead the scene, and several ambulances were parked in nearby Taksim Square.

The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details.

Local media said the Istanbul chief public prosecutor's office had launched an investigation into the blast.

The Turkish Red Crescent said blood was being transferred to nearby hospitals.