Istanbul: At least 15 people were reported killed and 320 injured in two bomb attacks today (Nov 20) on British targets in Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, which the British government said had "all the hallmarks" of the international terror group al-Qaeda.

One explosion destroyed part of the British consulate in the historic district of Beyoglu, while the other hit the headquarters of the British-owned HSBC bank in the business district of Levent.

In Ankara, Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers, similar to those, which killed 25 people and injured more than 300 at two synagogues in Istanbul on Saturday (Nov 15).

"It is understood that the violent method used last week was used in these incidents as well," Cicek told reporters in Ankara.

The Anatolia news agency quoted the Istanbul City Health Department as saying that 15 people were killed and 320 wounded in the explosions.

The Turkish television chain NTV said at least eight people were killed at the consulate and 160 others were treated for injuries at the nearby Taksim hospital.

In London, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the attacks had "all the hallmarks of international terrorism practised by al-Qaeda and associated organisations."

Agencies