Attacks have left at least six people dead in Jakarta

At least seven people have reportedly been killed in a series of bomb blasts in Jakarta today, the co-host city for the 2018 Asian Games.

The blasts were focused around Thamrin Street, a major shopping and business hub close to the United Nations offices in the centre of the city.

One of these was thought to have detonated in a Starbucks cafe outside a shopping centre and next to a police security post.

The blasts were followed by gunfights with the police, who later claimed that at least four of the attackers were among those killed.

At least 10 others are seriously injured, including police.

The incident harbours similarities with the coordinated nature of the November attacks on Paris.

Indonesian police take position behind a vehicle as they pursue suspects after a series of blasts rocked Jakarta ©AFP/Getty Images
Indonesian police take position behind a vehicle as they pursue suspects after a series of blasts rocked Jakarta ©AFP/Getty Images

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has called for calm but condemned the "act of terror".

"We all are grieving for the fallen victims of this incident, but we also condemn the act that has disturbed the security and peace and spread terror among our people," he said.

The incident, taking place in the world's most populous Muslim nation, comes two and a half years ahead of the Asian Games, which is being co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang in August and September, 2018.

Concerns have already been expressed about the safety of the city, which is also due to host an Indonesian Moto GP in 2017.