Turkish security forces have imposed tight security measures in the vicinity of Sultanahmet square in central Istanbul where the sound of a massive explosion was heard on Tuesday in the city's neighborhoods of Beşiktaş, Taksim, Kartal, Eyüp and elsewhere.

Security forces received notification of a bomb in the square and are still searching for its presence, according to Haber Türk news channel.

Ten people were killed and 15 others injured including some in critical condition and have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

The reasons behind the explosion which led to the over turn of a police vehicle parked near the scene has not been announced yet, the channel said, adding that a large number of ambulances and civil defense teams rushed to the area.

Source: MENA