At least 4 dead as suicide bombing hits busy shopping street in Istanbul(Photos)

At least four are dead and 36 injured after a suicide bomb attack rocked
a busy pedestrian shopping street in central Istanbul on Saturday morning.

Tensions have been high in Turkey with two bomb attacks in capital Ankara in recent weeks. 

The 36 injured include 12 foreign nationals and a child, Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu said. Seven victims were in hospitals in critical condition. 

Istiklal Avenue in central Istanbul was sealed off, and many ambulances and security forces attended the scene. The street is a popular tourist destination, with many restaurants, shops and cafes, and is near Taksim Square.

An official told Reuters that the initial investigation indicates the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) or an affiliate was behind the bombing. 

The Turkish media authority imposed a broadcast ban around 10:15 a.m. GMT in relation to the bombing. A reporter in Istanbul said social media was being throttled to prevent access. 

In videos posted on social media, a loud noise is heard and people run down the street. Shoppers try to hurry their children along to safety. Some took shelter in shops behind metal shutters. Police shout to try and clear the busy area.

More photos below:

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