Turkish minister: suspected bomber outside PM office not "terrorist"

Turkish interior minister said Thursday that the suspected suicide bomber whowas arrested outside the prime minister office carries a "fake bomb" and is not a "terrorist," Today's Zaman reported.

Interior Minister Muammer Guler told reporters that the incident took place earlier in the day is not a terrorist attack and the "bomb" is a fake one. "He had cables around his waist that looked like an explosive device. We believe he had psychological problems."

The man, identified as Tugrul Bayir, 52, made an anonymous call to police saying that he planned a suicide bombing five minutes ahead of the incident.

The suspect was shot and wounded after security guards of the prime minister office in Ankara fired three warning shots in the air, but the man refused to stop and told guards that he was carrying an explosive device.

Earlier reports said he was shot dead on the spot.

The man had credit card debts and wanted to draw public attention to his plight, according to local media.