Mexico gang members abducted from Jalisco restaurant

The restaurant is close to the main tourist attractions of Puerto Vallarta

At least 10 members of a Mexican criminal gang have been abducted by unknown gunmen at a restaurant in a Pacific Coast resort, officials say.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday in Puerto Vallarta in the western state of Jalisco.

Police are trying to locate four women who were part of the group but were not abducted.

Local officials say the victims had travelled from neighbouring states for a celebration.

"There are clear indications that the 10 or 12 men abducted were members of a criminal organisation," said Jalisco state Attorney-General Eduardo Almaguer.

One of them had worked as bodyguard for the former governor of Jalisco state, Emilio Gonzalez Marquez, he added.

The captives were taken at gunpoint by five men who had arrived at La Leche restaurant in two utility vehicles.

Security guards apparently ran away as they saw the gunmen approaching the restaurant, El Informador newspaper reported.

Five luxury vehicles believed to have belonged to the victims were seized by police.

The cars had number plates from the states of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco.