A powerful explosion has rocked the eastern Turkish city of Tunceli, killing seven people, media report, according to BBC News.

The blast targeted a military vehicle carrying security personnel.

The city is near the country's Kurdish area and suspicion will automatically fall upon Kurdish rebel group the PKK, according to BBC News.

Fighting between Turkish troops and the PKK - the Kurdistan Workers' Party - has escalated in recent months.

Turkish TV stations showed shaky footage of workers trying to put out fires in two burnt-out vehicles.

Reports said the vehicles were blown up by remote detonation.

Several ambulances and fire engines were reported speeding to the scene in the Ataturk neighbourhood of the city.