A car bomb struck near a courthouse in the western Turkish city of Izmir Thursday that was followed by a shootout between three of the assailants and police. A police officer and a courthouse employee were killed while the gunfight left two of the assailants dead, Associated Press informs.

The explosion occurred near a courthouse entrance that is used by judges, prosecutors and other employees.

District Mayor Hasan Karadag told NTV television earlier that 10 people were wounded in the explosion and one of them was in serious condition. A firefight between three of the suspected attackers and police erupted after the blast, and two of the assailants were killed, he said.

Turkey's state-run news agency said police are looking for a third suspect who was on the run, described as wearing a black coat and a white beret.

Several ambulances and police were dispatched to the scene.

Source: AP