Police shot Dead outside Istanbul’s US consulate

Three policemen and three gunmen have been killed following an armed attack on the US consulate in the Turkish city Istanbul. Witnesses say the attackers in a white Ford Focus car drove up to a police checkpoint outside the heavily fortified complex .

Three gunmen got out and opened fire on the police. A gun battle then ensued lasting several minutes. One police officer was killed on the spot the other two died from wounds in hospital.

Three attackers were shot dead. A fourth, believed to be the driver, sped away in car. The authorities say they are still hunting the vehicle.

It has emerged that one of the attackers was carrying a Syrian passport.

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