UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned the bombing that hit Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet Square, calling it a "despicable crime".

"The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist bombing today in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Turkey," read a statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

"This despicable crime targeting the heart of Istanbul’s tourist district has reportedly claimed the lives of ten people and injured at least 15 others."

The Secretary-General expected the perpetrators of this attack to be swiftly brought to justice.

Also, he sent his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and the Governments of Turkey and Germany and other foreign citizens impacted by the bombing. He wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Source: MENA