Controlled explosion follows US terrorism warning for Turkey

Turkish police conducted a controlled explosion in central Istanbul on 10 April. Bomb disposal officers were seen looking through what appeared to be a bag, after which there was an explosion. The move followed a warning issued by the US Embassy in the country of a “credible threat” that terrorists were planning to target tourist areas, flagging Istanbul and the south-western coastal resort area of Antalya as being at risk. The US Embassy issued what it called an “emergency message” in which it warned Westerners to exercise extreme caution. The country has been on high alert following four suicide bombings this year, two of which have taken place in Istanbul.

People have been warned to stay away from popular holiday spots in Turkey

Bomb squad experts detonated a device in the Turkish city's popular Taksim square, which is usually packed with thousands of tourists including young families.

The latest drama comes after US officials said there is a “credible threat” to tourist areas across Turkey, with both Islamic State (ISIS) and Kurdish rebels behind recent attacks.

A witness said that a member of the police bomb squad was seen going through what appeared to be a bag and later detonated it, causing a terrifying bang to ring out across the city.