The Foreign Office has advised British citizens in Turkey to stay indoors, avoid public places and be vigilant after tanks took to the streets of the capital Ankara in an attempted military coup.

Military figures initially announced they had "fully seized control" of the country - a member of Nato and an applicant for EU membership - in a bid to restore democracy and the rule of law.

But this morning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted that his government remained in charge and officials claimed the coup attempt was over.

At least 90 people are reported to have died and more than 1,000 wounded, with hundreds of soldiers arrested.

What should I do?

The current advice from the Foreign Office is to stay indoors,avoid public places and remain vigilant.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website says: "There has been large scale military action in Turkey, with the military deployed to the streets and widespread reports of gunfire and explosions in Ankara and Istanbul.

"The situation now appears quieter in Istanbul, and the bridges across the Bosphorus are re-opening. But there are reports of tank fire and small arms fire in Ankara.

"Some flights to airports in Turkey are being diverted or cancelled. The road between Marmaris and Icmeler remains closed, following earlier reports of gunfire between the resorts of Marmaris and Icmeler.

"We strongly advise you to stay indoors, avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and remain vigilant. Avoid areas of conflict and take sensible precautions if you are in the vicinity of any military or security forces. Roadblocks are in place in some areas. There are reports that social media websites are blocked."

The FCO advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.

All but essential travel is advised against for

  • The remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces
  • Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari

Who can I call?

If you're in Ankara and need urgent help, call +90 312 455 3344.

If you're in Istanbul and need urgent help, call +90 212 334 64 00.

If you're in the UK and concerned about a British national in Ankara or Istanbul, call 020 7008 1500.

What has the Foreign Office said?

“We are concerned by events unfolding in Ankara and Istanbul. Our Embassy is monitoring the situation closely. Given the current uncertainty we advise British nationals to avoid public places, remain vigilant and monitor the FCO website for travel advice .”

What if i'm due to travel?

The Foreign Office says: "If you are at an airport in Turkey, please follow the advice of the authorities and contact your airline or tour operator.

"If you are due to travel to or from Turkey over the next few days, you should closely monitor our travel advice and check with your airline or tour operator before travelling.

"British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance in Turkey can contact the Foreign Office on 0207 008 0000."

The Association of British Insurers said in a statement: "In light of the coup in Turkey, anyone booked to travel to the country should contact their tour operator, travel agent, or airline for advice. If alternative arrangements are made you should be able to transfer your travel insurance to the new destination.

"You should regularly check Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice. Anyone in Turkey should speak to their tour operator or airline for advice."

What have travel providers said?

Thomas Cook have issued a statement:

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: “We note the reports coming out of Turkey regarding a possible coup.

“There are no reports that guests in the resorts on the south coast of Turkey are affected.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will update when we have further information.”

They were not able to say how many Britons were currently in the country.