Turkey school shooting: Former student opens fire on school grounds, 16 wounded

Warning: Distressing content

A teenager has opened fire at a school in south east Turkey, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself.

The former student, 19, armed with a firearm attacked multiple students and teachers at the school in the province of Sanliurfa.

Students were evacuated from the grounds as special security forces were deployed to the school.

Television footage showed the dramatic scenes as panicked students fled the school while ambulances surrounded the Siverek district property.

“He took his own life when cornered by police,” local governor Hasan Sildak told reporters on Tuesday.

“We have evacuated the school and will carry out a thorough investigation into this tragic incident.”

Local media reported of the 16 wounded, at least 12 were students and two were teachers.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.