A shootout near the Mexican beach resort of Los Cabos early on Monday between suspected gang members and navy forces has left eight dead, including one soldier.

The incident took place before dawn on the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo, about 20 miles (30km) northeast of the area's main tourist hub of Cabo San Lucas.

Seven alleged gang members, two women and five men, were killed in the shootout the Mexican navy said in a statement. An officer was hurt in the exchange of fire and later died in hospital.