At least 14 people have been killed in a shooting at a crowded nightclub in Brazil.

The shooting in the northeastern city of Fortaleza injured at least another six people, authorities said.

Some are in a serious condition.

Authorities said the motive was not yet known, and were investigating whether it was related to a conflict between drug gangs.

Eyewitnesses told local television channel Globo TV that three cars full of armed men arrived at the Forro do Gago club at 12.30am and fired at the front of the building.


Image: Authorities suspect the shooting was part of an ongoing war between drug gangs

The shooting lasted for 30 minutes, according to reports.

The northeastern Brazilian state of Ceara has one of the country's highest levels of violence and homicides, often blamed on the gangs.

The governor of the state, Camilo Santana, said 82% of the homicides that were recorded in December of last year were due to a conflict between factions of drug traffickers.