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The eldest brother of one of Mexico's most notorious drug clans was shot dead late on Friday night in north-western Mexico, according to a report by Reuters.

Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix, a former head of his family's Tijuana Cartel, was killed during a children's party at a beach resort in the state of Baja California.

"A person dressed as a clown took his life," said a spokesman for the state prosecutors, according to Reuters.

According to local media reports cited by Reuters, the gunman had two accomplices.

The suspects allegedly entered the family event, dressed as clowns, in costumes that included a wig and a round red nose.

"He was hit by two bullets, one in the chest and one in the head," said Isai Arias, a state government official, according to the BBC.

The gunmen quickly fled the scene.

Police are currently investigating the motive behind the attack.

One of Mexico's best-known drug bosses, Felix and his brothers controlled much of the drug trade along Mexico's border with the United States during the 1990s.

The Tijuana Cartel's power was gradually weakened by the capture or killing of several of its leading members over the last decade and rivals have since risen into prominence.

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