At least nine prisoners have been killed in north-eastern Brazil during an attempt to escape from jail.

A gang of inmates at the Paolo Sarasate Penal Institute in the town of Fortelesa took four hostages during a Christmas party and demanded to be allowed to leave.

After a tense day of negotiations they were given getaway cars -- but some were killed when one crashed and there were other deaths during a shoot-out.

Three hostages in the cars were slightly hurt.

A local human rights official condemned the police action, saying some prisoners were shot unnecessarily.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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