A manhunt has been launched for a suspect accused of carrying out a mass gunfight that left three dead and six injured in Raoping county in eastern part of Guangdong on Tuesday night.

The incident unfolded when local police hotline received a report about shooting at 19:53 pm. When police officers rushed to the scene they found two dead on the spot while another succumbed to injuries in hospital.

Police are hunting for a suspect who ran away after the shooting, according to a statement issued by Raoping public security bureau.

The statement added that no other details will be provided as an investigation is currently underway.

A special task force has been set up to focus on the case and police urged locals and any witnesses to tip off police the whereabouts of the suspect.