It is being reported that riot police have violently dispersed Istanbul Pride, and arrested participants.

Photos show police in riot gear using heavy-handed means to control crowds in on of Turkey’s most prominent and well known cities.

A PinkNews reader in Turkey said: “Police are using tear gas and rubber bullets to attack LGBT people during pride.”

Some officers have justified their actions due to the march taking place during Ramadan.

Another PinkNews reader Gizem Paksoy said: “I actually have no idea why they started attacking. No warning, nothing.

“They started to use water cannons. People spreaded around and they chased people in the streets.”

Turkey is an officially secular, but majority Muslim country, although it is often see as slightly more progressive than other Muslim states.

More to follow.