Eight dead after spate of shootings at US massage parlours

CCTV footage captures the suspect from the first shooting.
CCTV footage captures the suspect from the first shooting. Photo credit: Facebook / Cherokee Sheriff's Office

A 21-year-old man has been arrested after a spate of massage parlour shootings in the US left eight dead and several others injured.

Four people were shot and killed at Young's Asian Massage Parlor in the city of Acworth, Georgia shortly before 5pm on Tuesday (local time).

Less than an hour later, Atlanta Police were called to a robbery at Gold Spa, roughly 40km from the first shooting, where four people were found dead with gunshot wounds.

While they were at the scene, another person was killed at the Aromatherapy Spa massage parlour across the street.

Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant told the Associated Press it appears the victims were all female and of Asian descent.

In a Facebook post, police identified the suspect from CCTV, who appeared to be driving in a dark SUV.

Later on Tuesday, 21-year-old Robert Long was taken into custody as an alleged suspect.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the shootings are connected but Atlanta police say they are keeping a close watch on nearby businesses in the area.