Paris - A gunman wielding a hunting rifle shot two people to death outside his house in the northern French town of Douchy-les- Mines, France Info radio reported Monday. The 63-year-old gunman, a retired lorry driver, fled into his residence after the shootings, but surrendered to police several hours later. Earlier reports spoke of three people killed.

The victims were identified as a young couple who were about to visit the gunman's neighbours.

No reasons were given for the killings. According to media reports, the gunman was known to local police for quarrels with his neighbours and had previously fired shots at their house.(dpa)