The Foreign Office has “strongly” advised Britons in Turkey to stay indoors following “a state of martial law” being put into effect in the country as reports emerged of at least 60 deaths in an attempted coup.
Updated travel advice for Turkey said that there were “widespread reports of gunfire and explosions in Ankara and Istanbul” as well as reports of shooting near the popular tourist resort of Marmaris.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted that he was “very concerned” by the events unfolding in Turkey.
He said: “Our Embassy is monitoring the situation closely. Brits should follow FCO website for advice.”
In Istanbul, gunfire was heard and military vehicles blocked key bridges and access to the airport while fighter jets flew over the capital Ankara.
The updated Foreign Office advice said: “Large-scale military action is ongoing in Turkey, and a state of martial law is in effect.
“There are widespread reports of gunfire and explosions in Ankara and Istanbul, and the military has been deployed to the streets.
“Some flights to airports in Turkey are being diverted or cancelled, and the bridges across the Bosphorus in Istanbul have been closed.
“The road between Marmaris and Icmeler is closed, with reports of gunfire between the resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler.
“We strongly advise you to stay indoors, avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and remain vigilant.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed that the government was “in charge” and that the attempted coup would not succeed.
An official in his office said at least 60 people have been killed and 1,563 military personnel have been detained across Turkey. Most of the dead are reported to be civilians.