P&G plant evacuated after staff taken hostage in Istanbul - Turkish media

A man has taken several people hostage at a Proctor & Gamble (P&G) plant outside Istanbul, according to Turkish media reports.

Seven people are being held at the factory in Gebze, while the rest of the employees have been released, a union representative for the factory said.

Police are reportedly negotiating with the alleged hostage-taker.

In a statement, P&G said the safety and security of its employees was its "number one priority".

"We have evacuated our manufacturing facility at Gebze, Turkey, and are working with local authorities and the police," it added.

Police officers cordoned off access to the US firm's factory and medical staff were dispatched to the scene.

A photo has emerged on social media showing the alleged hostage-taker with wires and possibly explosives taped to his chest. He appears to be holding a hand gun.

Local media say a Palestinian flag has been painted at the entrance of the building with a sign saying "doors will be open for Gaza".