Extraordinary moment Turkey province Ankara hit by freak sandstorm

This is the terrifying moment the Turkish province of Ankara was hit by a freak sandstorm.

Footage shared online shows a huge dust cloud enveloping buildings as it sweeps over Polatli in Ankara on Saturday.

The sandstorm also hit the district of Haymana at about 3pm.

Six people were injured in the strong winds, according to officials

Ankara governor Vasip Sahin wrote on Twitter: "According to the first determinations made by our teams regarding the heavy wind incident in Polatli and its surrounding districts, 6 of our citizens were slightly injured due to objects flying in the air, and for now there is no evidence of any other loss of life or property."

Mursel Yildizkaya, mayor of Polatli, urged people to stay indoors and not to open doors and windows.

Small fires also reportedly broke out due to lightning strikes.