Pipe Bomb Explodes Near Police Department In Istanbul's Beyoglu District

ISTANBUL - A pipe bomb exploded near the police department in Beyoglu district of Istanbul on Tuesday.
An explosion occurred near the Beyoglu Police Department around 11.20 p.m.
Policemen who came to the scene of blast which was about 20 meters away from the police department found three finger pieces.
Security measures were tightened in and around Beyoglu Police Department after the blast.
Bomb experts said that a home-made pipe bomb caused the blast after their investigation.
Officials said that the bomb might have been detonated by mistake by the person who was carrying it in order to stage an attack on Beyoglu Police Department.
The officials noted that nobody had applied to nearby hospitals after the blast, adding that an investigation was under way.
(BRC) 17.03.2004