Turkey: School shooting leaves 9 dead

Nine people have been killed after a student opened fire at a school in Turkey's southern Kahramanmaras region, local governor Mukerrem Unluer said on Wednesday.

The governor said the fatalities included eight students and a teacher. A further 13 people were injured, six of whom were in a serious condition, Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said.

The attacker was also killed, with reports saying he had taken his own life.

What do we know about the Turkey shooting so far?

"A student came to school with guns that we believe belonged to his father in his backpack. He entered two classrooms and opened fire randomly, causing injuries and deaths," Unluer told reporters. 

Police and ambulances were sent to the scene after reports of intense gunfire. Local media named the scene of the incident as Ayser Calik Middle School in Onikisubat district.

Unluer said the attacker had been in eighth-grade, so between 13 and 14 years of age.

The boy reportedly arrived at the school carrying five firearms and seven magazines that belonged to his father, a retired police officer.

2 school shootings in as many days

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation had been launched.

Wednesday's shooting came a day after 16 people were injured when a former student opened fire at a high school in nearby Sanliurfa province. The shooter then killed himself.

The motive for Tuesday's attack was still unclear, but Interior Minister Ciftci said it ⁠was a "personal" incident.

School shootings are uncommon in Turkey, let alone occurring in quick succession.

Edited by: Rana Taha