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Ankara explosions: Turkish police fire tear gas at mourners laying flowers

People chanted anti-government slogans on Sunday as they mourned for the victims

Samuel Osborne
Sunday 11 October 2015 09:17 EDT
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Protesters run away from tear gas during clashes with police on October 10, 2015 at the Gazi district in Istanbul, hours after the deadly attack in Ankara.
Protesters run away from tear gas during clashes with police on October 10, 2015 at the Gazi district in Istanbul, hours after the deadly attack in Ankara. (Yasin Akgul/AFP/Getty Images)

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Turkish riot police have used tear gas to prevent pro-Kurdish politicians and other mourners from laying carnations at the site of the deadliest terror attack in Turkey's history.

Police clashed with demonstrators and pro-Kurdish officials at the site of the bombings, which have killed at least 128 and left hundreds wounded.

The pro-Kurdish People's Democratic party (HDP) said some members of its delegation sustained injuries.

People raise their fists as a salute for victims during a demonstration on the day after a twin blast in Ankara that killed at least 128 people, in Ankara, Turkey, 11 October 2015.
People raise their fists as a salute for victims during a demonstration on the day after a twin blast in Ankara that killed at least 128 people, in Ankara, Turkey, 11 October 2015. (SEDAT SUNA/EPA)

Thousands gathered on Sunday to mourn for the victims, with many chanting anti-government slogans.

Fights broke out as police reportedly used tear gas to prevent pro-Kurdish politicians and other mourners from laying carnations at the scene of the bombings.

Police held back the mourners, including the pro-Kurdish party's leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, insisting that investigators were still working at the site.

A group of 70 mourners were eventually allowed to enter the area.

Placards reading "Killer state" are seen as thousands of protesters take part in a march against the deadly attack earlier in Ankara on October 10, 2015 at the Istiklal avenue in Istanbul.
Placards reading "Killer state" are seen as thousands of protesters take part in a march against the deadly attack earlier in Ankara on October 10, 2015 at the Istiklal avenue in Istanbul. (OZAN KOSEOZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

The group of mourners then marched towards the central square in Ankara, chanting "murderer Erdogan" and "murderer police".

Many hold Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development (AK) party responsible for security failures at Saturday's peace march.

The HDP has raised the death toll to 128, while the prime minister's office said 246 people were still being treated.

The two suspected suicide bombings, which came seconds apart, happened as crowds gathered for a march protesting against escalating violence between Turkish forces and Kurdish militia.

30 dead in Turkey blasts

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Isis, Kurdish or far-left groups are all suspects in the attack.

However, experts have said it is unlikely that left-wing groups are behind the bombings.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned the "heinous attack" and said Turkey would not give in to efforts to cause division in society.

"No matter what its origin, aim or name, we are against any form of terrorist act or terrorist organisation.

"Like other acts of terror, the attack at Ankara Central Station is taking aim at our unity, brotherhood and future."

Additional reporting from agencies.

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