At least 39 people, including 16 foreigners, have died in an attack on a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey's interior minister has said.
Suleyman Soylu also revealed police were still hunting for the "terrorist" who attacked the Reina nightclub at about 01:30 local time (22:30 GMT).
Suleyman Soylu also revealed police were still hunting for the "terrorist" who attacked the Reina nightclub at about 01:30 local time (22:30 GMT).
CNN reports that for hours after the attack the authorities had said nothing about the whereabouts of the assailant.
Another 69 people were being treated in hospital, the minister added.
"The search for the terrorist continues... I hope (the attacker) will be captured quickly, God willing," Mr Soylu said.
The Turkish authorities have imposed a media blackout on coverage of the attack, but it does not extend to official statements.
One attacker was involved, the governor said, while CNN Turk reported he was dressed in a Santa Claus costume.
"A terrorist with a long-range weapon ... brutally and savagely carried out this incident by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun," Mr Sahin told reporters at the scene of the upmarket Reina nightclub in the the Ortakoy area on the banks of Bosphorus.
"A terrorist with a long-range weapon ... brutally and savagely carried out this incident by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun," Mr Sahin told reporters at the scene of the upmarket Reina nightclub in the the Ortakoy area on the banks of Bosphorus.
The club was popular not only with Turks, but with foreigners as well, according to the BBC's Selin Girit in Istanbul.
39 Killed, Many Injured at Istanbul Reina nightclub New Year Night
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Signs of end times.
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