Several HSBC staff have been killed after two bomb blasts in Istanbul that destroyed the UK banking group's Turkish headquarters and hit another HSBC building, as well as the UK consulate office, on Thursday.

The bank said in a statement: "With reference to the shocking events in Istanbul this morning, unfortunately two HSBC buildings have been struck by the bomb blasts across the city, including our head office in Levent. It is with deep regret that we have to confirm that there have been a number of fatalities. Our thoughts are with the bereaved, the injured and their families.