An explosion on a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul has left people dead and injured, the city's governor has said.
People ran away following the blast on Istiklal Avenue in the Taksim area.
A video posted online showed flames erupting and a loud bang.
Istanbul's governor Ali Yerlikaya said there are dead and injured following the explosion, but did not say how many.
Mr Yerlikaya tweeted: "Today, at around 16.20, an explosion occurred in Taksim Istiklal Street in our Beyoğlu district. Our police, health, fire and AFAD teams were sent to the scene.
"There are casualties and injuries. Developments will be shared with the public."
State broadcaster TRT showed videos of ambulances and police headed to the scene.
The state-owned Anadolu agency said the cause of the blast was not yet known.
Social media users said shops were shuttered and the avenue closed down.
Broadcaster CNN Turk said 11 people were injured.
Istiklal Avenue is a pedestrian thoroughfare popular with tourists and locals and is lined with shops and restaurants.
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