A groom in Turkey has killed his father and two aunts after opening fire into the air with an automatic weapon to celebrate his wedding, according to reports.

The state-run Anatolia news agency says eight other relatives were injured during Sunday's celebration in the south-eastern province of Gaziantep.

It says the groom lost control of the weapon and accidentally aimed at guests. He was arrested.

It is tradition in Turkey to shoot into the air to celebrate weddings, circumcisions or sports victories.

The country has failed to curb the practice despite imposing harsher punishments to cut down on stray bullet accidents.

Police in Gaziantep were not available for comment.

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