Amnesty International is calling for independent monitors to be given immediate access to detainees in Turkey in the wake of the failed coup.

More than 10,000 people have been detained since the attempt by a faction of the country's military.

Amnesty says it has credible reports that Turkish police in Ankara and Istanbul are denying detainees food, water and medical treatment.

The human rights organisation claims that in some cases prisoners are being subjected to severe beatings and torture, including rape.

Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm O'Gorman said: "Turkey is understandably concerned with public security at the moment, but no circumstances can ever justify torture and other ill-treatment or arbitrary detention. The climate in Turkey right now is one of fear and shock.

"The government must steer the country on the path to respect for rights and law, not engage in retribution."

He added that there seems to be "a very significant purge of people opposed to President ErdoÄŸan and his rule. Up to 60,000 people have been swept up in that."

Amnesty International’s Europe director John Dalhuisen said: “Reports of abuse including beatings and rape in detention are extremely alarming, especially given the scale of detentions that we have seen in the past week.

"The grim details that we have documented are just a snapshot of the abuses that might be happening in places of detention."

Separately, reports this morning suggest arrest warrants have been issued for 42 journalists in Turkey.

AFP says that prominent journalist and commentator Nazli Ilicak is among those who warrants have been issued against.