THE 'cleansing' of the Turkish army has begun with the government arresting 6,000 people involved in Friday’s failed military coup.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told state media that generals, high ranking soldiers and judges have been detained and that the number of people charged is expected to rise.

He said: "The clean-up operations are continuing.”

86 Putting the boot in...soldiers involved in the coup have been attacked by angry mobs loyal Erdogans government Credit: Getty Images

86 Mob's revenge...An unidentified man uses his belt to hit Turkish soldiers involved in the coup Credit: Getty Images

86 The rebellion comes as the government admitted “many” military commanders have been taken hostage Credit: Getty Images

86 Turkish anti riot police officers detain soldiers involved in the failed takeover Credit: Getty Images

More than 50 senior soldiers were reportedly arrested in the western province of Denizli today.

At least 265 people died in the attempted takeover of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regime.

The Turkish President is using Friday's coup as a chance to 'cleanse' the army and described the rebellion as a 'gift from God'.

Erdogan has called on his supporters to stay in public squares, saying “this is not a 12 hour affair" and insisting that arrests within all ranks of the army are continuing.

He added that his regime is wiping the "virus" from all institutions of state and said the coup attempt had been stopped because of the national will.

Tens of thousands of people have gathered in the main Taksim square in Istanbul and Kizilay square in Ankara waving the Turkish flag and played songs praising the controversial president.

86 People walk by an abandoned tank used in the failed coup in the Turkish capital Ankara Credit: Rex Features

86 Police and civilians climb on top of the military vehicle the day after the coup Credit: Rex Features

86 President Erdogan's government say they will try to pass a bill which will make treason punishable by death following the failed attempt to overthrow the administration Credit: Rex Features

86 The inside of the Turkish parliament Ankara - the building was badly damaged during the coup attempt Credit: Rex Features

86 Turkish MPs were moved to a shelter inside the building during the attack Credit: Rex Features

86 The building in Ankara was heavily damaged during the coup including the office of Prime Minister Binali Yildirim Credit: Rex Features

Smaller protests were also held across the country in smaller towns and cities.

A total of 132 prosecutors and judges were detained and prohibited from leaving the country as authorities issued orders for the arrest of 2745 judges and prosecutors in connection to the attempted military coup. In a speech to gathered crowds in Istanbul Saturday evening Erdoğan said that his government was in charge again, saying they were "back at work".

"You went out in to the squares, that's what ruined their plot. And for the next week we need to continue this solidarity, we must keep up these meetings."

86 Turkey is preparing for another night of violence following the failed military coup Credit: EPA

86 President Erdoğan said that his government was in charge again, saying they were "back at work" Credit: Getty Images

86 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warns the country to prepare to crush another coup Credit: Getty Images

86 The failed rebellion left 265 people dead Credit: EPA

86 The rebellion comes as the government admitted “many” military commanders have been taken hostage Credit: Getty Images

86 bloody military coup in the streets of Ankara and Istanbul saw more than 160 killed and 1,400 injured Credit: Getty Images

86 People were seen celebrating this morning after rebelling soldiers from the Turkish army surrendered Credit: Getty Images

A group of anti-government rebels have reportedly commandeered a warship and taken the head of the Turkish navy hostage at the country's Golcuk naval base as the government struggles to maintain control of rebels leading an uprising.

The rebellion comes as the government admitted “many” military commanders have been taken hostage at the country's army HQ and eight men landed a Turkish military helicopter in Greece and asked for asylum.

Turkish rebels are thought to be holding Admiral Bülent Bostanoğlu, one of several senior military figures allegedly caught in the ongoing coup attempt, Russia Today reports.

Chaos erupted across the country last night as a bloody military coup in the streets of Ankara and Istanbul saw more than 160 killed and 1,400 injured - and President Erdogan has warned more bloodshed could be on the horizon tonight.

86 Authorities have stripped captured soldiers of their uniforms and are holding them in a courthouse in Istanbul

86 Fists of fury...A civilian beats a soldier who was captured after Fridays failed coup attempt Credit: Reuters

86 Credit: Reuters

Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a supported of Erdogan

86 People have gathered to celbrate the end of the coup..but the president has warned them to be prepared for more violence Credit: Getty Images

86 Turkish police, loyal to the regime, remain on high alert ahead of a news that a second coup is expected Credit: Getty Images

86 Turkish police have seized control of the tanks used in last nights failed coup Credit: Reuters

86 Rebels have captured a warship and taken the head of the navy hostage as the coup continues Credit: Getty Images

86 Police in Greece check out a Turkish military helicopter after it lands with eight men on board who request political asylum Credit: AP:Associated Press

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has asked for Greece to return the eight "treacherous officers" who fled there following the military coup attempt.

A faction of the Turkish military attempted to stage a coup last night, which appears to have failed.

Almost 200 people, including 47 civilians, lost their lives in the night of bloodshed and violence, as more than 2,800 soldiers were arrested.

Heavily armed soldiers and tanks have been overpowered by furious Turkish civilians as they crushed a bloody military coup that saw more than 160 killed and over 1,400 injured.

President Erdogan has warned there could be another uprising tonight as he called on supporters to remain outside after they flooded the streets to overpower soldiers last night.

86 A group of anti-government rebels have commandeered a warship and taken the head of the Turkish navy hostage at the country's Golcuk naval base Credit: Reuters

86 A police siege is ongoing around the building of the General Staff, where senior members of the military are reportedly being held hostage Credit: Rex Features

86 Armed officers remain at the scene of the army HQ as they try to take back control of the coup Credit: Rex Features

86 People stand under a huge Turkish flag during a march in Ankara to show their support for the regime Credit: Getty Images

86 Supporter of Erdogan took to the streets to celebrate the failed coup Credit: Getty Images

86 The rebellion comes as the government admitted "many" military commanders have been taken hostage at the country's army HQ Credit: AP:Associated Press

86 People take cover as soldiers and police fire shots at one another on Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul Credit: Getty Images

86 People run away from tanks after taking over military position on the Bosphorus bridge in Istanbul Credit: Getty Images

86 A woman takes cover amid shots being fired in Istanbul Credit: Getty Images

Officials have warned 2,839 members of the army who have been arrested for the "black stain on Turkey's democracy" could face the death penalty as they consider reinstating capital punishment, while "many" military commanders have been taken hostage at the army HQ.

So far 161 people have been confirmed dead and 1,154 injured in the night of bloody rebellion as the military attempted to overthrow the government.

Eight men landed in Greece in a military helicopter asking for political asylum this morning, as the uprising continues to bubble in Turkey.

Shocking photographs show armed civilians overpowering and beating soldiers as they take back control.

People were seen celebrating this morning after rebelling soldiers from the Turkish army surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.

Supports of President Erdogan waved Turkish flags, cheered and mounted tanks left behind by the rebels as they celebrated their victory.

Plain-clothes policemen and armed civilians were seen embracing and cheering as more than a thousand soldiers were arrested.

86 Civilians this morning celebrated as soldiers on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul surrendered Credit: Getty Images

86 Supporters of President Erdogan cheered, waved flags and mounted tanks left behind by rebels Credit: Reuters

86 Policemen protect a soldier from the mob after troops involved in the coup surrendered Credit: Reuters

86 A civilian beats a soldier after the troops surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul Credit: Reuters

86 Armed civilians stand on top of abandoned army tanks after soldiers surrender Credit: AP:Associated Press

86 A tank is left abandoned after the attempted coup saw soldiers swarm onto the streets Credit: Getty Images

Ankara-based photojournalist Piero Castellano told the BBC Turks surged onto the streets after Erdogan's TV appeal for support.

He said: "People rushed to the main square, to rush to the tanks and the armoured carriers - it was a bloodbath.

"It was unexpected. There is a very strong link, or maybe there was until last night, there was a very strong link between the Turkish people and their military.

"So people were shocked when the military actually fired on the crowd."

President Erdogan has declared his government is back in control of the country, but urged people to remain on the streets for fear of further uprisings.

The Turkish Government said 2,839 soldiers have been arrested after army factions used tanks and helicopters to cause "a bloodbath on the streets", killing dozens of innocent civilians.

Deputy leader of the AKP Mehmet Müezzinoğlu said the government will introduce a bill calling for the rebel soldier's to be executed on Friday.

He posted on Twitter: "We will put forward a motion, which will demand the execution of those who have been involved in the coup attempt."

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says last night was a black stain on Turkish democracy and coup plotters will face the justice they deserve.

He added the death penalty is not in Turkey's constitution, but said the country will consider legal changes to make sure this doesn't happen again.

86 People take over a tank near the Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge during last night's siege Credit: Getty Images

86 A plain clothes policeman is hugged by people as they celebrate the surrendering of the soldiers involved in the coup on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul Credit: Reuters

86 Civilians gather around a burned-out car after a night of civil unrest in Turkey Credit: AP:Associated Press

86 A soldier protects himself from the mob after troops involved in the coup surrendered Credit: Reuters

86 A man lies in front of an army tank during the Turkey Coup in a bid to stop the rebels Credit: Reuters

Horrified civilians attempted to flee packed areas as heavily-armed coup supporters in 62-tonne tanks called for an uprising against Turkish President Erdogan.

Turkey's acting army chief General Umit Dundar has said 104 "coup plotters" were killed on top of the 41 police officers, 47 civilians and two soldiers earlier reported.

Turkey's parliamentary building suffered devastating damage as rebels stormed the surrounding square and set off bombs, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed revenge.

Explosions rocked Ankara and Istanbul, injuring several police officers and parliament workers as a "massive" blast shook the building.

Soldiers opened fire at civilians as they attempted to cross the Bosphorus bridge in popular holiday destination Istanbul, killing several.

One powerful image, echoing the famous photo of a man standing in front of tanks with two shopping bags during the Tianamen Square rebellion, shows a man lying in front of an army tank in a bid to stop the uprising.

86 People desperately try to help a man, believed to have been shot after clashes between protesters and the military Credit: Getty

86 People carry a man shot during clashes with Turkish military Credit: Getty Images

86 A man is treated for his injuries suffered during the clashes Credit: Getty Images

86 Several people have been shot during the clashes in Turkey overnight Credit: Getty

86 A heavily wounded man lies on the ground at the entrance of Bosphorus bridge Credit: Getty

86 People take cover during clashes with Turkish military at the entrance to the Bosphorus bridge Credit: Getty Images

86 People huddle together as soldiers and protesters clash on the streets Credit: Getty Images

Soldiers imposed a curfew, but President Erdogan encouraged civilians to ignore the coup and take to the streets to overthrow those "committing an act of treason".

He tweeted today: "Regardless at what stage this attempt is, we need to be in the streets tonight. A new coup attempt could take place at any minute."

It is thought Erdogan's supporters taking to the streets to fight the rebels led the army to relinquish control.

Some 17 police officers and an MP are among those killed in the bloody battles, as well as at least 16 coup plotters in clashes at Turkey's military police command.

Police and civilians fought off soldiers who stormed the CNN Turkey newsroom in a bid to take control of the national media.

The rebel army faction, calling themselves the "Peace Council" said they were trying to overthrow the government to "protect human rights" and restore democracy.

Turkey's night of violence has concerned experts, who say it shows the nation, a key NATO ally in fighting ISIS in Syria, is more exposed to the schisms affecting Middle East countries.

Are you in Turkey at the moment? Get in touch at 0207 782 4094 or ellie.flynn@thesun.co.uk

Erdogan made a triumphant return back to Istanbul from holiday resort Marmaris, warning rebels will pay a "heavy price for their trason".

The Presidents Justice and Development Party, AKP, has repeatedly faced criticism from human rights groups and Western allies for its brutal crackdowns on anti-government protesters.

Five army generals and 29 colonels have been arrested following the attempted coup, which the government says is now largely under control.

Hundreds of the soldiers in custody are said to have surrendered.

Tanks blocked bridges and surrounded Turkey's Ataturk Airport, forcing it shut as terrified tourists arrived last night.

Most international flights were diverted to other nearby destinations, but one flight from London Gatwick landed in Istanbul as the airport was surrounded by army vehicles.

The flight landed at 11.09pm Turkish time and it is unclear whether passengers remained at the closed airport or moved on.

British Airways cancelled all flights to Turkish airports today and tomorrow, but EasyJet has said they will continue to fly there on the advice of British authorities.

Turkey is a popular Brit holiday destinations and the Foreign Office has warned anyone in Turkey to remain inside and stay vigilant.

86 Tanks have been seen outside of the airport Credit: Twitter

86 Protesters have clambered onto tanks involved in the military-led coup Credit: EPA

86 A man stands near a burned car in Ankara after thousands hit the streets to protest the coup Credit: Getty Images

86 People gather near a destroyed police car with 17 police officers killed in an attack Credit: Getty Images

86 A flipped car lies in a road near military headquarters in Ankara Credit: Reuters

86 People have jumped on top of tanks part of the coup Credit: Getty Images

86 People have challenged the coup Credit: Getty Images

Turkey's military chief Hulusi Akar has been rescued after being held hostage.

The country's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned to Istanbul after rushing back from his holiday, vowing: "The ring leader who plotted all of this will pay the price in front of the nation."

Turkish MPs are holding an extraordinary meeting in parliament to discuss the night's dramatic events.

Erdogan has warned those involved in the uprising will "pay a heavy price".

The President also blamed the uprising on his enemy, exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who denied he was behind the coup.

The Istanbul Police Chief named the leader of the coup as Col Muharrem Kose, a former member of the Turkish Armed Forces.

Soldiers driving the coup clashed with protesters in the streets throughout the night after heavy gunfire in the streets of Ankara and Istanbul during the attempted coup which saw the military claim power.

HOW THE COUP UNFOLDED IN TURKEY 9pm Friday night Traffic was stopped from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul with the military issuing a statement saying the Turkish Armed Forces had “completely taken over the administration of the country”

10pm President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with local Turkish TV station and urges people to take to the streets and stand up against the coup

Midnight 17 police officers are killed after being shot by a helicopter as chaos unfolds on the streets

12.30am Saturday Parliament is bombed several times with MPs vowing to stay inside to fight for democracy

1am Tide begins to turn with soldiers involved in the attempted coup giving up their weapons to police, with several others having already been arrested

2.30am President Recep Tayyip Erdogan returns to Istanbul, vowing to punish those involved in the attempted coup

3am Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told the state-run Anadolu news agency: “Things are getting better every minute” despite continued military action on the streets *UK time

The action continued even after the President returned to the city and the Prime Minister Binali Yildirim telling the state-run Anadolu news agency: “Things are getting better every minute”.

President Erdogan eventually made it back to Istanbul after having been on holiday in Marmaris, which he told media had been also targeted in the bombings.

He said the uprising was an act of treason and advised supporting factions of the army to shoot down any revel jets.

F-16 fighter jets are reported to have bombed tanks positioned by coup backers near the presidential palace in Ankara.

His arrival to Istanbul came after 12 people where injured while gathered in the Turkish Parliament and were bombed.

The MPs refused to leave the parliament with every political party coming out against the coup.

86 Damage was done to the Parliament building as it was bombed several times Credit: Reuters

86 All political parties have come out against the military coup with the Parliament Credit: Reuters

86 A helicopter was seen circling parliament with the Prime Minister warning that helicopters flying over government buildings would be downed with missiles Credit: Getty Images

86 The Parliament building was damaged in the bombing but politicians have vowed to stay inside Credit: Getty Images

But the military action has suffered several defeats with protesters forcing the soldiers to leave the Bosphorus Bridge with protesters also facing off with soldiers in Taksim Square in Istanbul.

The offical Turkish news agency reported a F16 shot down a Sikorsky helicopter that had been in the hands of the coup plotters.

The people have also taken back the state run TV station after it was seized by soldiers part of the coup with those involved in the attempted overthrow arrested.

Reuters reported around 30 Turkish soldiers involved in the coup surrendered their weapons after being surrounded by armed police, with the soldiers arrested soon after.

He said the chain of command has been disrupted in the army and vowed to restore order to the country.

He added: "I urge the Turkish people to gather at public squares and airports. There is no power higher than the power of the people."

86 Soldiers have been giving up their weapons with the President threatening those involved in the coup would be punished Credit: Getty Images

86 People demonstrate outside Ataturk international airport Credit: Reuters

86 Credit: AP:Associated Press

Protesters have clambered onto the tanks as protesters fight back against the attempted coup

86 Turkish soldiers have been blocking movement within Turkey, claiming complete control Credit: Getty Images

The night's bloodbath began as soldiers stormed the state-run TRT news agency, takin

The President said he did not believe the coup would succeed and said he believed it would be over within "a short time".

Many people took to the streets and even held a prayer session as they refused to accept the military coup.

The Turkish President took to Twitter while he was away from the city, praising the country's democracy and national unity.

He has also warned that any military helicopter or war plane flying over government buildings would be downed with missiles.

There have been protests in Taksim Square with supporters of President Erdogan turning out in force.

Reports of gunfire lasted throughout the night with the Secret Service building as well as helicopters shooting two missiles at the state TV TRT headquarters.

Many civilians were injured on the Bosphorous Bridge while explosions were heard in Ankara with hostages, including the chief of military staff, reportedly taken at military headquarters.

He has since been rescued according to local reports.

Footage has also emerged appearing to show helicopters firing onto the streets in Ataturk.

The military took over CNN in Turkey for a period of time, forcing the anchor off life on air, but the station has since regained control.

86 A man covered in blood, wearing the Turkish flag, stands in front of the Bosphorus bridge Credit: Getty Images

86 Turkish soldiers stand guard at the Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey Credit: EPA

86 Supporters of the Turkish President have taken to the streets, even conducting their morning prayers Credit: Getty Images

86 The coup soldiers swarmed onto the streets armed with guns Credit: EPA

86 People have fought against the coup, standing in the path of tanks and taking to the streets Credit: Reuters

86 Passengers leave the Ataturk Airport as Turkish army tanks enter Credit: Getty Images

86 A man is carried away from Taksim Square after loud explosions and gunfire rang out Credit: EPA

86 A man stands in front of a Turkish army tank at Ataturk airport Credit: Reuters

86 A woman helps a man shot after clashes with Turkish military at the entrance to the Bosphorus bridge Credit: Getty Images

86 People were forced to carry the wounded after clashes with the army Credit: Getty Images

86 The Turkish president spoke to local television with his office unwilling to confirm his location, simply saying he is safe Credit: Getty Images

86 Tanks have roamed the streets as the military tries to take control Credit: Getty Images

86 Heavy gunfire has occurred around prominent areas of Istanbul and Ankara Credit: Getty Images

During the night, an army commander ordered all soldiers of the Third Army to return to their bases or face prosecution.

It is understood 46 officers involved in the coup attempt have been identified and will be arrested.

An image of a soldier involved in the coup has been released with the frightened man surrounded by protesters.

Reports of several attacks against the soldiers also surfaced with images of those involved in the coup surrounded by protests emerging.

The coup came after the Turkish military released a statement, saying: “Turkish Armed Forces have completely taken over the administration of the country to reinstate constitutional order, human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and general security that was damaged.

“All international agreements are still valid. We hope that all of our good relationships with all countries will continue.”

In a further statement read out on the state-run broadcaster TRT, the military said it had declared martial law and imposed a curfew.

The statement said the country would now be run by a "peace council" with a new constitution to be prepared as soon as possible.

The anchor has since described being made to read the statement out at gunpoint with those who captured the station taken into custody.

86 Protesters have listened to their President who called for them to take to the streets Credit: Getty Images

86 Protesters have taken to the streets with gunfire heard in both Istanbul and Ankara Credit: AP:Associated Press

86 Supporters of President Erdogan have taken to Taksim Square to protest the military coup Credit: AP:Associated Press

86 Gunfire has been heard in both Ankara and Istanbul as part of the coup

A European Union source monitoring the attempted coup told Reuters: "It looks like a relatively well-orchestrated coup by a substantial body of the military, not just a few colonels.

"They've got control of the airports and are expecting control over the TV station imminently."

The source continued: "They control several strategic points in Istanbul. Given the scale of the operation, it is difficult to image they will stop short of prevailing."

It is understood the Turkish ambassador in a European capital was taken by surprise.

A diplomat told Reuters: "This is clearly not some tinpot little coup. The Turkish ambassador was clearly shocked and is taking it very seriously."

Former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Al Jazeera that the attempted coup was using "illegal methods" and was attacking democracy.

He said: "Stability of Turkey means stability of many other countries and the stability of Turkey means the stability of a safe haven of millions of refugees. If it is harmed, the domino effect cannot be prevented."

He said he had seen many attempts of coups that had been unsuccessful.

86 A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Credit: Reuters

The military have also reportedly set up a blockade at a central hospital in Istanbul.

Some flights managed to land at the airport as the coup began to unfold but many international flights were forced to turn around.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to social media, saying: "Very concerned by events unfolding in Turkey. Our embassy is monitoring the situation closely. Brits should follow FCO website for advice."

Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said there was no excuse for violence or abuse of human rights.

The UK Foreign Office has advised British citizens in Turkey to avoid public places and remain vigilant.

The statement said: "We are concerned by events unfolding in Ankara and Istanbul."

The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said he hopes for stability, peace and continuity in Turkey in the wake of the coup.

US President Barack Obama is also being briefed on the unfolding situation with a spokesman for the White House National Security Council saying: "The President's national security team has apprised him of the unfolding situation in Turkey.

"The President will continue to receive regular updates."

WHO IS PRESIDENT ERDOGAN? Islamist strong man Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been President of Turkey since 2014, after serving as the country's Prime Minister for eleven years. NATO Holds Warsaw Summit He leads the AKP, a socially conservative party who are popular in Turkey’s deprived rural areas. Erdogan has led the party to four successive general election wins, but has faced criticism for locking up civil rights activists and journalists. His powerful political combination of Islam and nationalism has been seen by people in Turkey’s cities as a threat to the country’s plans to modernise and join the European Union. Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan Visits Germany But despite concerns that his commitments to democracy and human rights are just a game to get his feet under the table in Brussels, Erdoğan is considered a key ally in the West’s fight against ISIS. Human Rights Organisations have long warned that the AKP’s bullying tactics would lead to civil unrest. Erdogan has waged a long and bloody civil war against Kurds on the Turkish/Syrian border, which have led some Western states to question the leader’s motives. Deeply unpopular outside the AKP’s heartlands and fighting a war on two fronts, it remains unclear if this is the end for Turkey’s gladiatorial President.



86 Turkish military block access to the Bosphorus bridge, which links the city's European and Asian sides Credit: Reuters

Traffic was initially stopped by the military from crossing both the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges in Istanbul.

Prime Minister Yildrim told NTV television: “We are focusing on the possibility of an attempt (coup).

“There was an illegal act by a group within the military that was acting out of the chain of military command. Our people should know that we will not allow any activity that would harm democracy.”

He added: "Those who are doing this will be punished in the hardest way."

He said the attempt would not be successful, saying: "we will not permit this."

He has since issued an order for all soldiers to return to their bases.

Local media RIA-Novosti reports that Facebook and Twitter in the country have been blocked.

A no-fly zone was declared over Ankara overnight.

Turkey has also closed three of its border crossings with Bulgaria.

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