“The Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist bombing that targeted the Taksim area in central Istanbul, which led to the death and injury of a number of civilians,” the foreign ministry said.

The explosion, which occurred at around 4:20 pm (1320 GMT) in the famous Istiklal shopping street which is popular with locals and tourists, killed six people and wounded dozens of others.

“The Kingdom affirms its support for Turkey against this cowardly act and offers its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Turkey,” the ministry added.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday condemned the “vile attack” that ripped through central Istanbul.”

“The relevant units of our state are working to find the perpetrators... behind this vile attack,” Erdogan told a televised press conference.

The Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul later called on Saudi citizens in the city to take precaution and communicate with it in the case of an emergency.