An Irish-Algerian family injured in a suicide attack in Istanbul have returned home.

The family were caught up in the bomb blast that killed five people, including the bomber, at around 9am yesterday.

The attack targeted Istiklal Caddesi, a bustling two-kilometre-long pedestrian street in the European side of Istanbul. 

Shortly after the blast the health ministry released a statement saying three Israelis and two Iranians had been killed and 36 people were injured in the sixth major bombing in Turkey since July.

Irish Ambassador to Turkey Brendan Ward confirmed that an Irish-Algerian family visiting Istanbul on their holidays were among those injured.

The parents and three children were taken to hospital and were due to return to their home in London late last night.

Yesterday evening the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan expressed his "horror and sadness" at the bomb attack. The department also updated its travel advice to Irish citizens going to Turkey, saying anyone travelling to the country should exercise caution as the "threat of terrorism" remains "extremely high".

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast but pro-government media pointed the finger at either Kurdish militants or the Islamic State.