Turkey: Suicide bomb attack, US embassy, Ankara

Ankara - There are reports that several people have been killed in an explosion in front of the US Embassy, in the Turkish capital Ankara.

1.15pm Turkish time: A suicide bomb attack outside the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, has resulted in the death of two security guards. There could, however, be more deaths. The bomber reportedly tried to enter the building, before blowing himself up, SkyNews. The suicide bomber had managed to get inside the security checkpoint. He detonated the bomb as he was about to pass through X Ray security, Journalist Ilnur Cevi reported hearing a tremendous 'bang'. He was around 400 metres away from the Embassy, in his car, when the explosion occurred. He said that he believed that there would be 'lots of casualties'. There were reports of smoke billowing from the building. Dozens of ambulances and police vehicles sped to the embassy. It is understood that no warning was issued and no organisation has claimed responsibility The area is now cordoned off. Update: The BBC is reporting that two people were killed, one a security guard and the other the suspected suicide bomber. Several people sustained injuries, including a passer-by and an MTV journalist. The dead guard was Turkish. He was employed by the US embassy. Staff at the embassy evacuated to their safe area, where they are currently 'holed up'. The embassy is in 'lock-down'. US citizens in Turkey have been advised against visiting any of their embassies. The embassy was not a 'high security' building. Details continue to emerge.