AKIPRESS.COM - Turkish riot police have fired tear gas and plastic bullets after transgender rights activists gathered in Istanbul in defiance of a ban on marching.

Several dozen activists turned up and were surrounded by police, after which scuffles began, with one man reportedly tearing up a gay rights banner, BBC reports.

The march was banned in order to "safeguard security and public order".

Istanbul Pride, which has occurred annually since 2003 and was due to be held on 26 June, was also prohibited.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey - unlike in many Arab countries - but analysts say homophobia remains widespread.

It comes after suspected Islamists attacked people listening to a rock album in an Istanbul record store on Friday evening for drinking alcohol and listening to music during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Riot police dispersed a protest against the attack on Saturday evening.

At last year's Istanbul Pride, police used water cannon and tear gas to break up the crowd.