A family of seven including a child were slaughtered by gunmen in a ruthless gang-style execution in their home, say police in Mexico.

The pitiless bloodbath in Boca del Rio, Veracruz state, Mexico late on Sunday, 3rd July left three men, three women and a child dead.

The State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that an armed group broke into the house where members of the family were resting.

Neighbours called police at around 11.45pm after hearing rapid gunfire.

At the time of reporting, no one had been arrested and the Prosecutor’s Office had not given any clues regarding the identities of the perpetrators.

Even the gang the killers belong to is also unclear.

Of the seven dead, one male victim survived but later died in hospital from multiple gunshot wounds, according to local media.

Police did not reveal his name but he is reported to have been in the meat business.

The Attorney General has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

But local media note that more than 94 per cent of crimes committed in Mexico go unpunished.

Drug cartels feel free to carry out even the most violent hits on rivals and police without any fear of being brought to justice.

The country is currently going through a particularly violent period, with 100 murders a day.