An armed attack on a church in Istanbul has killed one person.

Two men attacked Santa Maria Church in Istanbul's Saryer neighborhood today, killing one person, police said.

A large number of police and emergency forces have been sent to the scene and efforts are underway to arrest the perpetrators.

"Two masked men attacked a church where a religious service was being held today. Unfortunately, one person was killed in the attack. An investigation has been launched into the incident," Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.