Gunman ‘opens fire in Istanbul mosque’ less than 24 hours after 39 people were killed in nightclub massacre

A GUNMAN has reportedly opened fire in a mosque in Istanbul, less than 24 hours after 39 people were killed in an attack on a nightclub.

Two people were injured and rushed to hospital after a man opened fire with a rifle when people were gathering at north Istanbul's Hasan Pasha Mosque for prayer this afternoon.

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, which they say they have no reason to believe it had a "political cause" behind it.

One report claims that the shooting was a family argument, and a man opened fire on his father during an argument, injuring him and the man standing next to him.

The shooting comes just hours after a terrorist dressed as Santa gunned down New Year's Eve revellers at the Reina nightclub in the city.

The attacker — who may have had an accomplice —  shot and killed a police officer outside the venue before forcing his way inside to go on his bloody rampage.