6 killed, 8 injured in shooting spree in southern Turkey

Six people were killed and eight others were injured when a gunman opened fire in several locations in southern Turkey, including at a restaurant, according to officials and local media reports.

The attacks happened on Monday in Mersin province, a Mediterranean region in southern Turkey. Authorities were still searching for the suspect, who fled by car after the shootings.

Anadolu Agency reported that the gunman first killed his ex-wife as she was walking in the street before driving away. He later opened fire from his vehicle outside a restaurant, killing the owner and an employee.

The suspect then killed three more people in other areas, including a teenager who was herding animals and a truck driver at a gas station, according to Anadolu.

Eight other people were injured as the gunman continued along his escape route. Their conditions were not immediately known.

Police and gendarmerie forces set up security measures on roads in the area while searching for the suspect. Anadolu reported that helicopters and drones were also being used in the search.

A local official whose nephew was wounded told Anadolu that the gunman opened fire from his car as soon as he arrived outside a business.

The official said he did not know the suspect and described the shootings as random. The motive was not immediately known.