Istanbul airport attack: Cher apologises for bomb emoji in 'insensitive' tweet

The singer said she didn't think about using the emojis while sending prayers to victims of the attack

her use of a bomb emoji and explosion emoji was branded 'insensitive' and 'hideously inappropriate' by her followers (Getty Images)

Cher has apologised for using bomb and explosion emojis in a message paying tribute to the victims of the Istanbul airport attack.

At least forty-one people have died and 239 more have been injured after three suicide bombers armed with AK-47s attacked Ataturk airport in Istanbul, the largest airport in Turkey.

Gunman arrived at the airport in a taxi and began shooting at the terminal entrance before blowing themselves up. CCTV footage shows dozens running as explosions hit the airport.

Like many high-profile figures, Cher responded to reports of casualties with a tweet offering her prayers for the victims of the attack. However, her use of a bomb emoji and explosion emoji was branded “insensitive” and “hideously inappropriate” by her followers.

The singer offered a “heartfelt apology” in a second tweet saying she “didn’t think” before posting her first, adding: “Everyone who knows me knows I’m tender to people who are hurting.”

The death toll is expected to rise this afternoon and Turkey has declared Wednesday a day of national mourning.

Turkish officials have said all indications suggest the Isis terror group could be behind the attack, although it has not yet been claimed by a terror group.