AKIPRESS.COM - A fire at a police station in the Venezuelan city of Valencia, Carabobo state, has left 68 people dead, government officials say.

The blaze reportedly started after prisoners set fire to mattresses in an attempt to break out on Wednesday, BBC reported.

Police used tear gas to disperse relatives who surrounded the station after news of the fire broke.

Chief state prosecutor Tarek Saab said an investigation into what had happened would begin immediately.

State official Jesus Santander said the situation had now been been brought under control. He said the state of Carabobo was in mourning.

Rescuers reportedly broke through walls to try to free those trapped by the blaze.

Nearly all of those who died were inmates but at least two women who were visiting at the time were also killed, Mr Saab said.