Police in Istanbul are hunting for a gunman who opened fire at a nightclub, killing at least 39 people.

The attack happened at Reina nightclub early on Sunday, as hundreds of revellers marked the new year.

Officials say at least 15 foreigners were killed, including an Israeli woman. Citizens from Morocco, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Libya were hurt.

The attacker left his gun at the scene before fleeing, the Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said. He also confirmed the gunman was not dressed as Santa Claus, contradicting earlier reports.

At least 69 people are being treated in hospital, officials said, with four in a serious condition.

The motive for the attack is not clear. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blamed terror groups "trying to create chaos".

"They are trying to... demoralise our people and destabilise our country," he said.

In an early morning statement, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu described the attack as "a massacre, a truly inhuman savagery".

"A manhunt for the terrorist is under way. Police have launched operations. We hope the attacker will be captured soon."

Police believed there was only one gunman, he said, although some eyewitness reports mentioned multiple attackers.

(Source: BBC)