Russian law enforcement neutralized a gunman who went on a rampage at Perm State University (PSU) in Perm Krai region on Monday morning, killing eight people and injuring atleast 28, officials said.

According to preliminary reports, an unidentified person opened fire in one of the buildings at PSU. The gunman entered the university around 11 am and was apprehended shortly afterwards. There was no immediate information available on his identity or possible motive.

"Some students locked themselves in universities auditoriums to hide from the attacker. Some students jumped out of the windows. Law enforcement agents are heading to the site," reported Russia's TASS news agency, citing sources.

Russia's Investigative Committee, the agency that handles probes into major crimes, said the gunman had been identified as an 18-year-old student at the university. He was armed with a ‘traumatic’ non-lethal weapon, media reports stated.

A traffic police unit was the first to reach the scene, and the suspect opened fire on them, according to the Interior Ministry. He was wounded when police returned fire and then was disarmed, the ministry said.

Although firearms laws are strict in Russia, many people obtain permits for hunting weapons. News reports cited officials as saying the suspect had a permit for a pump-action shotgun, although it was not clear if it was for the weapon used.

Investigative Committee representative Svetlana Petrenko told mediapersons that the shooter was wounded during his arrest. His identity has been established, he has been detained and further investigation is underway, she added.

According to unconfirmed reports, the suspect had previously made posts stating his intentions on social media.