Eight people have been killed in a series of shootings at several locations in Afyonkarahisar province in western Türkiye, prompting a large-scale manhunt for the suspected gunman.

The attacks took place in the İhsaniye district, where victims were found in and around vehicles near Ayazini, Kıyır and Yukarıtandır villages.

According to information reported by Anadolu Agency, three people were found shot dead near Ayazini village and another three near Kıyır village. In Yukarıtandır, two women who had been wounded in the attacks died after being taken to hospital.

Two of the victims were identified as local middle school teachers, Ayşe Sena Demir and Hilal Mete. The Afyonkarahisar Provincial Directorate of National Education confirmed their deaths in a condolence message.

A separate shooting was reported in Osman Gazi neighbourhood in Afyonkarahisar city centre, where a woman was found critically wounded after being shot in the head while sitting in her parked car. She was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

Authorities are investigating whether the attack in the city centre is connected to the killings in İhsaniye.

Initial findings indicate that the attacks were carried out with a pump-action shotgun. Security camera footage reportedly helped investigators identify the suspected gunman, whose photograph was circulated among police and gendarmerie units.

The suspect is believed to have fled in a red light commercial vehicle, heading towards Kütahya. Reports also indicate that he may have carried out another vehicle-related offence while escaping.

Police and gendarmerie forces have launched an extensive operation to locate and apprehend the fugitive, with searches reportedly extending across Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya and Eskişehir. Security measures have been increased along roads and possible escape routes.

The Afyonkarahisar Governor's Office said relevant state institutions were working in coordination under the supervision of the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible.

The motive behind the shootings has not yet been officially established. Investigators are also examining whether the attacks at the rural locations and the separate shooting in the provincial centre were carried out by the same person.

The investigation remains ongoing, while authorities continue efforts to establish the full circumstances of the killings and bring the suspect into custody. (ILKHA)