Bomb Blast Attack On Police Bus Killed Eleven

The force of the bomb blast caused the police bus carrying rapid-police response officers to overturn the on the police bus in Istanbul has killed at least 11 people, seven of them officers.

"Seven police and four citizens lost their lives," the city's governor, Vasip Sahin, said at the scene in the Beyazit district.

Thirty-six others were injured.

At least three of them were in a serious condition.

The explosion took place close to the Vezneciler metro station, which is within walking distance of some of the city's main historical sights, including the famed Suleymaniye Mosque. 

It was also near an Istanbul University building, forcing officials to cancel exams.

The metro station was closed as a security precaution. 

Nearby buildings were damaged too, while several cars were wrecked.

"There was a loud bang, we thought it was lightning but right at that second the windows of the shop came down," said a local shopkeeper, Cevher. 

Goods toppled from his shelves.

"It was extremely scary," he said. It is the fourth major bombing in Turkey's biggest city this year - two targeting security forces and the other two targeting tourists. 

The violence has led to a sharp dip in tourism, damaging the economy.