8 injured by shotgun at party in Del.

Police in Newark, Del., were searching for whoever opened fire with a shotgun outside a birthday party early yesterday, injuring eight people with bird-shot pellets.

Partygoers told investigators a fight broke out just after midnight during a birthday celebration at the Banquet & Conference Center at 205 Executive Dr. More than 200 people, most of them younger than 18, attended the party, Delaware State Police Cpl. Andrea Boone said.

Security officers at the party told those involved in the fight to leave the building, but the fight continued in the parking lot, Boone said.

Witnesses told investigators the crowd was sprayed with bird shot fired from a dark vehicle.

Eight people, six of them juveniles, suffered minor injuries. Police did not identify any of the victims, who all were treated and released.

Police did not have a description of the shooter as of last night, Boone said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Delaware State Police detectives at 302-834-2630, Ext. 205.