Criminal gangs fighting over territory or honour have been blamed for a shooting in the Swedish city of Malmo that left three men dead and three injured.

Police in Sweden’s third largest city said three of the men — aged 19, 27 and 29 — had died. None of the victims were identified, in line with Swedish practice.

Three others — aged 21, 30 and 32 — were injured — one seriously, said Region Skane, the regional health authority for southern Sweden.

Justice minister Morgan Johansson told Swedish news agency TT: “It is an abominable crime and reminds us once again that our main task is to fight organised crime.”

Malmo police chief Stefan Sinteus told a news conference the shooting was probably linked to feuding criminal gangs as conflicts have become more common in major Swedish cities in recent years.

In Malmo alone, there are three or four gang feuds, Mr Sinteus said.

He added: “Those involved are to be considered as gang members who are involved in serious organised crime.

“It is unusual that three die in the same incident. We didn’t see it coming.”

Police forensic officers at the scene
Police forensic officers at the scene (Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency/AP)

Mr Sintenus said there was no motive for the shooting but feuds could start over business conflicts, women or a perceived lack of respect by others.

The men were shot as they left an internet cafe in the south-eastern part of the city on Monday evening. Police could not confirm media reports that the shots were fired from a car and that an automatic weapon was used.

Police said a dozen shots were fired but no arrests have been made and they are looking for a dark vehicle.