MASKED gunman stormed a church in Turkey during Sunday mass this morning, killing one with a bullet to the head.
Two thugs opened fire at unsuspecting church-goers who were shot in the brutal ambush.
Emergency services cram the streets near the church attack
Ambulance and police at the entrance to the church
Santa Maria Church in Istanbul
The horror attack, at Santa Maria Church in Istanbul, happened during Sunday mass.
The attackers stormed the building in ski masks, unleashing bullets as attendees threw themselves to the ground.
One man died after he was shot in the head while more were injured.
The gunmen escaped following the attack, around 11.40am, T24 reports.
Turkish minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on X/Twitter: “Today, around 11.40, during the service at the Santa Maria Church in Sarıyer Büyükdere District, he was attacked with a gun by 2 people wearing masks and unfortunately he lost his life.
“A large-scale investigation into the issue and efforts to catch the attackers have been initiated.
“We strongly condemn this vile attack.”
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu also wrote: “We will never allow those who try to destroy our unity and peace by attacking the religious places of our city”.
It is not yet clear why the gunmen opened fire at the church or whether they are associated with a particular group.
And their current location in the country’s capital is unknown.
Worried onlookers crowd around the entrance of the church
Dozens of people line the street after the horror attack
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