Erdogan denounces attempted coup

President Erdogan flew back into Istanbul to denounce the coup as an “act of treason” in a live TV speech.

Surrounded by cheering supporters, the controversial President said the army must be cleansed.

Sixty people died overnight in the ensuing violence and 336 were arrested.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the situation was largely under control.

He has ordered the military to shoot down aircraft being used by coup plotters.

Earlier, one of the helicopters being flown by forces involved in the coup attempt was shot down over the capital Ankara.

In a statement, the Turkish foreign ministry said the coup attempt “was foiled by the Turkish people in unity and solidarity. Our president and government are in charge”.

“Turkish Armed Forces was not involved in the coup attempt in its entirety. It was conducted by a clique within the armed forces and received a well-deserved response from our nation.”

Gen Hulusi Akar, the Turkish Military Chief of Staff is still missing. He is believed to have been taken hostage by rebel soldiers.

Gen Umit Dundar, commander of the 1st Army, has been appointed acting chief of staff.

The leader of the coup fraction has not been established.

Earlier, the soldiers declared that “a peace council” was running the country and held a curfew under marshall law.