Rome - Six people were killed in two separate shooting incidents in southern Italy late Thursday, according to police officials.

Five Africans were killed and two others injured by gunshots in Castel Vultorno, 35 kilometres north-west of Naples, ANSA news agency reported, indicating that the shootings were linked to drug trafficking.

Three of the immigrants were from Ghana, one from Liberia and one from Togo.

Earlier, a few kilometres away in Baia Verde a 53-year-old Italian man died and another man was injured in another shoot out which took place in a recreation hall, RAI television reported.

Police are investigating to see if the crimes are linked. (dpa)