MANAGUA – Three women were killed and five other people, including a child, were wounded early yesterday when suspected gang members opened fire on people attending a New Year's Eve party at a house on the outskirts of Managua, Nicaraguan media reported.

Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the shooting in the Americas 2 district, located eight kilometers north of Managua, Radio Ya reported.

Marisol del Socorro Romero, 32, Norma Patricia Araica, 19, and Rebeca Donaire, 34, were killed.

The five wounded people were taken to a hospital in Managua for treatment of a variety of gunshot wounds.

Preliminary reports said that members of the Los del Ceibo gang attacked the house, but the motive for the shooting has not been determined.