Explosion in Istanbul Sultanahmet district

At least 10 people were reported dead and 15 injured in blast at historic Sultanahmet square in Istanbul, Turkey

Police has sealed off the area, as an explosion occurred at 10.20 am local time, in central Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet square, a Turkish major touristic attraction close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

According to the local authorities, the incident recorded victims: at least 10 people have been killed and 15 were injured in the blast. An eye-witness reported one suicide bomber present at the scene.

"The explosion was very loud. We shook a lot. We ran out and saw body parts," a woman working in the area declared for Reuters.

"Investigations into the cause of the explosion, the type of explosion and perpetrator or perpetrators are underway," the Istanbul governor's office stated, as the cause of the explosion is not yet clear.

Police and ambulances rushed to the blast scene and officials immediately took measures to protect people against further violent incidents.

"We're taking precautions against a second explosion," a local police officer declared.

The incident today comes after Turkey has been shaken by two major bombing Islamic State group attacks last year. Two explosions in the capital Ankara left more than 100 people dead in October and the attack in the town of Suruc, near the Syrian border, in July killed more than 30.

More details to come about the casualties and the incident, as the investigation continues.