Many inmates beheaded in Guatemala prison riots

Officials say at least seven prisoners have been killed, most of them decapitated in clashes between rival gangs in prison in western Guatemala. Hundreds of police have been expanded to restore order in Cantel Prison, which houses prisoners of both the Mara Salvatrucha gang and their sworn enemies, the Barrio 18, after the violence on Wednesday. "For the time being, the deaths of seven prisoners are known," the Interior Ministry stated in a declaration, describing the site as a "riot". The number was verified by the prosecutor's office, whose staff managed to gain access to the prison, which is located 205 kilometers (125 miles) west of the capital.

A spokesperson for the National Civil Police (PNC), Jorge Aguilar, told the AFP news agency earlier that ,a fight between two gangs created the disturbance and around six inmates had been beheaded.

Officials believe one of the gangs attacked the other in revenge for an episode a few days ago, Aguilar added.

Gang violence and riots are common in Cantel Prison, which human rights groups have condemned for its grim circumstances. The police are built to house five hundred prisoners and are currently home to more than four times the number.

Guatemala's started, and violent gangs are recognised for their blackmail missiles, in which they force businessmen and bus operators to pay them security money or face execution.

Gangs are accountable for nearly half of the 3,500 violent deaths per year in Guatemala; authorities said - one of the highest violent death rates in the world.