One person dead after getting shot in head by two masked gunmen during church attack in Istanbul
Two masked gunmen killed one person during an attack on a church in Istanbul.
The “masked assailants” attacked the Santa Maria Church in the Sariyer district at around 11:40am local time (9:40am UK time).
Turkish media have confirmed that one person has died after being shot in the head during the attack.
The attackers stormed the religious site in ski masks, before unleashing a barrage of bullets on the unsuspecting churchgoers.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the gunmen managed to escape and according to Turkish media could still be at large in the city.
Turkish minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on social media: “Today, around 11.40, during the service at the Santa Maria Church in Sarıyer Büyükdere District, he was attacked with a gun by 2 people wearing masks and unfortunately he lost his life.
“A large-scale investigation into the issue and efforts to catch the attackers have been initiated.
“We strongly condemn this vile attack.”