Military 'coup In Turkey': Live updates as explosion and gunfire reported in capital Ankara

An attempted coup is being staged in Turkey as the military claims it has seized control of the country.

In the last hour gunfire was reported in the Turkish capital Ankara as military jets were seen flying overhead.

At the same time it has been reported that Istanbul's Bosphorus Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge have been closed.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said those responsible for what he described as an attempted coup by a faction within the military would pay the highest price.

He says they would not be allowed to do anything to interrupt democracy.

EY EVENTS SO FAR

• 1 HOUR AGOWhat we know so far
• 1 HOUR AGOTurkish military says it has taken over
• 1 HOUR AGO'Internet in Ankara has been cut'
• 1 HOUR AGOTurkish PM claims that a military coup is being attempted

22:50

Image of smoke plume after reports of explosion in Ankara

Fire fights increasing in #Ankara. Reports of shots being exchanged near parliament building. #TRT Turkish Television taken down.#Turkey

— Diego Cupolo (@DiegoCupolo) July 15, 2016

Turkish based journalist Diego Cupolo has tweeted reports of shots fired near the parliament building in Ankara.

There are also unconfirmed reports coming in of an explosion in the Turkish capital along with a troubling image of a large mass of smoke over the Ankara skyline

BREAKING PHOTO shows fumes from blast in #Ankara (photo via@saridalli) https://t.co/FV28YXoPjv #MilitaryCouppic.twitter.com/Nhx282wyz8

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) July 15, 2016

22:45

Flights are being redirected away from Turkey

Flights to Turkey are being redirected since the coup was announced.

Anyone from the UK who was due to land in the troubled country tonight is now unlikely to do so.

Reportedly only Turkish Airlines flights are landing.