Turkish police say they have prevented a plot by militant Islamists to blow up the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

A statement said the police arrested a group of militant Islamists from the Federation of Islamic Associations and Communities who allegedy planned to use a light aircraft in a suicide attack during celebrations last week of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the republic.

Earlier reports said the alleged attack would also have targeted the country's President and Prime Minister, who were present at the celebrations.