Manhunt in western Turkey after eight people shot dead

A manhunt is under way in western Turkey after a series of shootings in Afyonkarahisar province on Thursday left eight people dead and one seriously injured. Police have launched a large-scale operation to find the suspect, who fled the scene.

According to local media, victims were found at several locations in three separate vehicles. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported that three people were killed near Ayazini village and three more near Kiyir village. In Yukaritandir, two women were found injured and later died in hospital. Two teachers are reportedly among the dead.

The search

CCTV footage published in Turkish media shows a man in a black jacket, white trousers and glasses holding a long weapon beside a red minivan. Local media said police closed the roads leading to the affected villages.

The newspaper Milliyet reports that a vehicle the attacker allegedly took was later found stuck in mud. The suspect abandoned it and continued on foot.

Official response

The Afyonkarahisar Governorate said on social media that all relevant state institutions have been working in coordination from the first moment and are carrying out the necessary work. It offered condolences to the families and loved ones of the dead.