Turkish hotel stormed by hostage takers

A Turkish hotel has been stormed by pro-Chechen rebels.

The rebels seized hostages when they burst into the Swissotel in Istanbul armed with automatic rifles and shotguns.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman confirmed that Britons were staying at the hotel but were not thought to be among the hostages.

"We understand there are British people among the guests but we don't have any indication that they are being held," the spokeswoman said.

"They are probably not among the hostages but we are taking this very seriously and representatives from the British consul are en route to the hotel."

It was not clear if anyone was injured or how many hostages were seized. Private CNN-Turk television said 11 SwissAir personnel were among the hostages.

Hotel worker Alisan Ercan said he heard gunshots and saw four or five gunmen in the lobby as he ran out of the hotel.

The rebels are apparently demanding to speak with Turkish Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan.

They identified themselves as supporters of Muhammed Tokcan, a Turkish citizen of Chechen origin who hijacked a Turkish Black Sea ferry in 1996, seizing more than 200 hostages. The hostages were all freed unharmed after four days.

Tokcan later surrendered to police and is currently in a Turkish prison.