Eight people have been shot dead at a hair salon in the Los Angeles area, authorities say.

The shooting took place in the city of Seal Beach, California, in a retail area off the Pacific Coast Highway.

Six people were initially confirmed dead, while two others died later of their injuries and one remains in a critical condition, police said.

Scott Evans Dekraai, 42, has been named as the man held in custody by police over the incident.

The shooting occurred at about 13:30 (21:30 GMT) at a hair salon called Salon Meritage.

Mr Dekraai was stopped by officers about half a mile away and surrendered without incident, saying he had multiple weapons with him, police Sgt Steve Bowles said.

“He appeared co-operative, and did not resist our officers when he was detained,” Sgt Bowles said, adding: “We do feel confident at this point that we do have the single and only suspect in custody.”

He said the salon was busy at the time, with every stylist’s station in use. Bodies were scattered around the premises.

US media reported the suspect was the ex-husband of one of the stylists. Sgt Bowles said: “There may be something to the motive as to a relationship with somebody in the salon, that is our assumption.”

Police from nearby towns were assisting with the investigation.

“A crime of this magnitude is not something Seal Beach is familiar with,” Sgt Bowles told reporters.

Seal Beach is a beach front city of approximately 25,000 residents, located about 30 miles (48km) south-east of Los Angeles.

It is home to a gated senior citizen community of 9,000 people, as well as the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station military complex and a national wildlife refuge.