The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Eight people have been arrested in connection to the incident as cops investigate the circumstances.

It is understood between 500 and 600 people were partying in the popular Reina club at the time of the attack.

Now the jihadi cult has claimed responsibility for the atrocity as a manhunt continues for the mass killer.

He struck at the heart of a district popular with tourists as police continue to investigate leads relating to a gun found at the scene.

The man is described as being from being from East Turkestan, Afghanistan or Chechnya.

(Image: SKYNEWS)

Early reports suggested the killer was "dressed as Santa" but this was later ruled out by authorities.

ISIS, otherwise known as Daesh, claimed responsibility in a statement on one of its channels.

The group claimed the attack was against "protector of the cross" Turkey and referred to the jihadi as a "heroic soldier".

"The caliphate struck one of the most famous nightclubs where the Christians celebrate their apostate holiday," the statement said.

(Image: REUTERS/SKY) (Image: PH) (Image: ENTERPRISE)

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson condemned the attack and moved to show British support to Turkey.

He said: "Thoughts with Turkey after cowardly act of terrorism in Istanbul nightclub attack.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish friends."

(Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The country rests on a knife edge after a string of terrorist atrocities.

Earlier today, a Syrian man reportedly stormed a Turkish airport claiming to have a bomb and shouting "Allahu Akbar".

Security services have been on red alert across Europe for New Year celebrations following an attack on a Christmas market in Berlin that killed 12 people.