Update 1.25pm: Turkish police are closing in on the gunman who killed 39 people at an Istanbul nightclub, a senior official said, insisting his possible whereabouts and contacts had been established.

Turkey’s former military chief has been convicted of trying to overthrow the government and sentenced to life in prison.

Turkish security forces have shot dead a Kurdish rebel hijacker after he commandeered a ferry with 18 passengers on board, authorities said.

About 200 serving and retired Turkish military officers have gone on trial accused of plotting to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government in 2003.