No Kiwis killed, injured in Istanbul attack

Security forces surround the scene of an explosion, on a street in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday . Photo / AP

Authorities have confirmed no Kiwis were killed or injured in a suicide bomb attack in the Turkish city of Istanbul yesterday.

Five people died, including the bomber, and more than 30 were injured in the blast near a Government building in a busy shopping area of the city. Turkish media reported the bystanders killed were three Israelis and an Iranian.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman confirmed this morning no Kiwis were among the casualties.

The ministry's Safe Travel Website advises there is "some risk" to security in Turkey due to the heightened threat of terrorism and the potential for civil unrest. It advises New Zealanders take caution in the country and says there is a significant threat from terrorism.

Emergency services at the scene of the explosion. Photo / AP

"Terrorist attacks have been regularly carried out in the south-east; more recently attacks have occurred in Ankara and Istanbul, and could occur in other parts of the country, including, Izmir, Adana, other major centres, tourist areas and along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts."

The BBC reported this morning 11 Israelis were among the injured. Two Irish citizens, a German, Iranian and nationals from the United Arab Emirates and Iceland were also wounded.

No one had admitted carrying out the attack, the latest of several in recent months. An explosion in the capital Ankara just seven days ago killed 37.

The Turkish government has blamed Kurdish militants for previous attacks and has retaliated against them.