An explosion has hit a popular tourist spot in Istanbul, Turkey. The government says six people were killed and 53 others were wounded.

The blast occurred on Istiklal Avenue on Sunday while the area was bustling with shoppers.

Security camera footage temporarily went black, apparently due to the explosion. It then showed people falling to the ground or running away.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said initial information suggests the explosion "smells like terrorism." He pledged a thorough investigation, saying the perpetrators will be punished.

Turkey has not experienced any major terrorist incidents since the government tightened security following a series of attacks in 2016.