Around 350 Turkish police officers were removed from their posts in Ankara as the government continues to try to contain a corruption scandal that has ensnared former cabinet ministers.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government had already dismissed hundreds of police chiefs and officers since police raids targeted Erdogan allies on December 17 - part of what the government claims is a conspiracy.

Police had rounded up dozens of leading businessmen and political figures, including the sons of three ministers, in a massive sweep of pro-government figures in Ankara and Istanbul in December.

They were suspected of numerous offences including bribery for construction projects and illicit money transfers to neighbouring Iran.

Mr Erdogan's critics accuse him of desperately trying to protect his cronies and the appointment of Selami Altinok - a little-known governor with no background in police work - as Istanbul's new police chief has been seen as an attempt to shut down the investigation.

The latest tit-for-tat sackings were announced in a government decree published at midnight and included chiefs of the financial crimes, anti-smuggling, cybercrime and organised crime units.

Some were sacked while others were shunted outside the capital.

With the latest round of dismissals, the total number of police officers removed from their posts has risen to 560 in Ankara alone.