Nine revellers died after a tear gas grenade was thrown into the disco in the Santa Anita suburb of the capital, Lima. At least 10 others were seriously hurt.

Gangs fought with the police in the wake of the disaster

Panic broke out among the 250 partygoers and nine people, aged between 13 and 21, died in a rush for the exit.

Emergency services said the situation was worsened by security guards shutting the only exit.

Peru's President Alberto Fujimori ordered an immediate investigation and told the authorities to check other clubs and close those operating without a licence or adequate safety conditions.

BBC Correspondent Steve Jones: A vicious attack which caused pandemonium

Police said the tear gas was thrown into the second-floor disco from outside and landed in the middle of the dance floor.

The victims either suffocated or were trampled in a mad dash for the doors.

At least 10 people were seriously injured

One survivor told a local radio station: "There was a lot of smoke, I couldn't breathe.

"I fell and others were on top of me, but I was able to get up and get out through a small door."

Police are working on the theory that the tear gas attack was part of a feud between rival gangs.

One witness said a fight broke out near the disco shortly before the tear gas was thrown.