Moscow - A deserter from the Russian army shot dead three fellow soldiers who were attempting to capture him before shooting himself, local media reported, citing the country's Defence Ministry on Monday.

According to the Interfax news agency, the assailant left his post in the Russian Far East without leave and was caught by four other soldiers, three of whom he shot dead with an automatic pistol.

The fourth soldier was severely wounded.

Violence against recruits as well as psychological disturbances among soldiers have led to many fatal incidents in the Russian army. More than 8,000 Russians receive early discharge from the military each year due mental incapacity. (dpa)