Switzerland manhunt for gunman after two shot dead in Sion

A manhunt is under way in Switzerland after two people were shot dead and another person was injured in the southern town of Sion.

Police in the region of Valois said the gunman fired several gunshots shortly before 08:00 (07:00 GMT) on Monday.

The shootings took place at two separate locations in the town, police said.

The suspect, named as Robin Sebastien, is said to be dangerous and police say he should not be approached.

"According to initial findings, the perpetrator knew his victims," police said, adding that the motives behind the incident remained unknown.

Shots were reportedly fired at the Sarsa painting company in the Ronquoz and Potences areas, local newspaper Le Nouvelliste reports.

The 36-year-old suspect was last seen driving in his grey, Peugeot 206 Cabriolet.

Police have set up road blocks around Valois in an attempt to stop the alleged gunman from leaving the country.

The town of Sion is located close to the Italian border.

There is also a large police presence in the town itself, with armed officers stationed at the crime scenes.

Local prosecutors have opened a murder investigation.

Switzerland, a country of around nine million people, has a high rate of gun ownership.

Small Arms Survey, a Swiss-based organisation that monitors global trends in armed violence, estimates the number of firearms in civilian possession at 2.3 million.