Eight people have been killed and one seriously injured in a series of shootings in western Turkey.

The attacks took place in the Afyonkarahisar province on Thursday, with victims found in several locations in three separate vehicles, according to local reports.

The suspect fled, triggering a manhunt, and authorities later said he had been arrested in Eskişehir province.

CCTV footage published in Turkish media showed a man in a black jacket, white trousers and glasses clutching a long weapon as he stood by a red minivan.

Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported that three people were killed near Ayazini village and three others near Kiyir village. In Yukaritandir, two women were found injured and later died in hospital.

Two teachers were reportedly among the dead.

Local media said roads leading to the affected villages were closed by police, while officers launched a large-scale operation to find the suspect.

The newspaper Milliyet reported that a vehicle allegedly taken by the attacker had been later found stuck in mud – the suspect having abandoned it before fleeing on foot.

In a statement posted on social media, the Afyonkarahisar Governorate said “all relevant institutions of our state have been working in coordination since the very first moment and are meticulously carrying out the necessary work”.