AKIPRESS.COM - Police in Brazil say at least nine prisoners have been killed in a riot at a jail in the central state of Goias, BBC reports.

The authorities say the riot began when a group of armed inmates invaded a wing controlled by a rival gang. One of the victims was decapitated.

After a shootout, more than 100 members of both factions escaped. Police say they have managed to regain control.

Riots are common in Brazilian prisons, which are notoriously overcrowded and understaffed.

The riot began in the afternoon of New Year's Day at the rural penitentiary in the outskirts of the state capital, Goiania.

Rival criminal factions clashed, broke the barriers of the compound and escaped.

Riot police quickly suppressed the rebellion.