At least six people have been killed in Turkey and eight others injured after a 37-year-old gunman identified as Metin Ozturk went on a shooting rampage in the port city of Mersin on Monday.

According to reports, the suspect allegedly first shot his ex-wife Arzu Ozden dead in the street before driving to a restaurant in Tarsus, where he fired shots from his car, killing the owner and an employee.

The state-run Anadolu Agency also reported that the man later opened fire at several other locations in the neighbourhood, resulting in the death of one 50-year-old man, a teenager and one other person.

Mr Ozturk reportedly fled the area in a vehicle, prompting police to deploy helicopters and drones in search of the gunman, who later shot himself with his handgun to escape being captured alive after he was surrounded by security forces.

A subsequent statement released by the Mersin Governor’s Office revealed that Mr Ozturk had been in and out of hospital for substance addiction and mental health issues.

“The suspect was found to have had multiple hospital admissions due to illegal substance addiction and various psychiatric diagnoses. Work related to the case is being meticulously carried out by our security units and the judicial and administrative process is ongoing,” the office said.

Reports noted that five of the victims have been buried at the Tarsus City Cemetery following funeral prayers, while the remains of one victim was transported to his hometown of Nigde for burial.