Gunman targets African migrants in Italy's Macerata

A gunman has injured six African migrants in Italian city of Macerata in a series of drive-by shootings that appear to have been racially motivated.

The shooting took place on Saturday morning in the central Italian city. Italian state police said that at least one person was in serious condition. 

A 28-year-old white Italian man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the shootings. A video posted on local media shows the suspect wearing an Italian flag around his neck at the time of his arrest.  

Italian news agency Ansa reported the suspect made a fascist salute when he was captured.

The shooting started around 11am local time (10:00 GMT). Shots were fired at various locations in the city, including close to the train station. 

Italian police told people to take shelter indoors on Twitter.

The shootings took place days after the dismembered body of an 18-year-old Italian woman was found in two suitcases near Macerata. A Nigerian man has been arrested in connection with the woman's death. 

Italy will vote in a general election on March 4. Observers have warned that anti-migration rhetoric in the country has been mainstreamed.