A man helps an injured woman after an explosion during a peace march in Ankara.

At least 30 people were killed on Saturday following twin explosions in Turkey’s capital Ankara, which apparently targeted activists gathering for a peace rally organised by leftist and pro-Kurdish groups.

Turkish government officials described the blast outside the main train station as a “terrorist attack”, and said they were investigating claims that a suicide bomber was responsible.

At least 126 were wounded in the two explosions, the Turkish Interior Ministry was reported as saying by Reuters.

Turkish police reported fired shots into the air to disperse protesters from the scene of an attack, according to an AFP correspondent.

Security forces intervened after demonstrators, angered by the attack on fellow activists, shouted “police murderers!”

The blast occurred ahead of a planned peace march to protest against the conflict between the state and Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey.

Dogan news agency video footage showed those involved in the march tending to wounded individuals lying on the ground while hundreds of people wandered around the streets.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was expected to hold a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan, government officials and security chiefs at 12 pm (0900 GMT) in response to the attack, Davutoglu’s office said.

The explosion occurred at a time of growing security concerns in Turkey, and three weeks ahead of a parliamentary election.

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