{UAH} Istanbul nightclub attack: At least 39 dead

Istanbul nightclub attack: At least 39 dead after gunman 'dressed as Santa' opens fire at New Year's party

Dozens of people have been killed as they celebrated New Year at a Turkish nightclub in a suspected terror attack.

Officials said at least one gunman reportedly wearing a Santa costume murdered a police officer and a civilian outside Istanbul's famed Reina nightclub before bursting inside.

The attacker opened fire into the crowd of up to 700 people, killing at least 39 – including 15 foreigners – and injuring dozens more in the Ortakoy district.

Interior minister Suleyman Soylu said the attacker was still at large and 69 people were being treated in hospital following the shooting.

"Efforts to find the terrorist are continuing," he said. "Our security forces have started the necessary operations. God willing he will be caught in a short period of time."

Medics carry a wounded person after an attack at a popular nightclub in Istanbul on 1 January (AP)

Local reports said some people jumped into the waters of the Bosphorus strait to escape the massacre, which started shortly before 1.30am local time (11.30pm GMT).

CCTV footage from inside the club was broadcast by Turkish media, appearing to show a gunman dressed as Father Christmas walking through abandoned drinks booths.

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Istanbul nightclub gunmen 'was dressed as Santa'

Witnesses said the man was wearing a Santa costume and speaking Arabic, suggesting he was not Turkish.

One survivor said she had to climb out from beneath bodies inside the nightclub to flee the attack, where her husband was injured.

"Before I could understand what was happening, my husband fell on top me," Sinem Uyanik told the Associated Press outside Istanbul's Sisli Hospital. "I had to lift several bodies from on top of me before I could get out." 

Vasip Sahin, the governor of Istanbul, described the event as a "terror attack" but did not name who he thought responsible. 

"The attacker - in the most brutal and merciless way - targeted innocent people who had only come here to celebrate the New Year and have fun," Mr Sahin said.

In pictures: Istanbul nightclub attacked during New Year party

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