20 vehicles set alight in arson attacks in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

Cars were destroyed in the arson attacks in Istanbul's two districts. DHA Photo

A total of 20 vehicles in two of Istanbul’s districts were burned in arson attacks by unknown people.

The attackers reportedly set 10 cars alight in Beyoğlu’s Mahmut Şevket Paşa neighborhood at around 2:30 a.m. by pouring gas on the vehicles. Police and fire fighting teams rushed to scene after locals informed authorities.

Eight of the 10 cars were destroyed in the attack.

Amateur footage taken by citizens using mobile phones surfaced, showing the blazes and panic among the people.

In a separate attack, another 10 cars were torched in Küçükçekme district’s Cumhuriyet neighborhood.

Panic took over the local as flames threatened a nearby building. Some of the apartments’ windows were broken due to the blasts.

An investigation has been launched into the incidents, as police searched the scenes to obtain evidence.