Istanbul building collapse: At least two dead and more trapped after eight-story apartment block falls

Six people pulled out of rubble during rescue attempt

At least two people have died after an eight-story building collapsed in Istanbul.

The block, which had 43 people living in 14 apartments, was on the Asian side of the city and collapsed at around 4pm.

Security camera footage, aired on HaberTurk television, showed several people, including schoolchildren with backpacks, running away from the site as the building tumbled down and a cloud of dust engulfed the area.

Six people have been pulled out of the rubble as rescue workers attempted to free those who are trapped.

It was not immediately clear how many more people are stuck in the wreckage.

Istanbul’s governor, Ali Yerlikaya, said the top three floors of the block of flats had been built illegally.

"We will work without interruption until the search and rescue operation is complete," Mr Yerlikaya told reporters.

"Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters who are inside. Our hope is that we will bring them out safely."

Former prime minister Binali Yildirim told reporters that rescuers had made contact with four more people still inside the wreckage.

"Racing against time, the teams are working, making great sacrifices," Mr Yildirim said.

Neighbouring buildings had been evacuated in case they were also damaged.

Authorities sealed off the area as crowds gathered to watch or help with the rescue operation.

The chief prosecutor's office said it has launched an investigation into the collapse of the 27-year-old building.