Brazilian police take over riot prison

Police in Brazil have taken control of a prison after seven inmates were killed in disturbances.

Police say the deaths occurred during clashes between rival gangs in the jail at Linhares in the eastern state of Espirito Santo.

Reports say police entered the prison and disarmed the inmates, who'd been using metal bars as weapons.

It's not clear what led to the disturbance.

It comes after a series of recent violent incidents in Brazil's prisons, including one where six-hundred people were held hostage.

The authorities have said they plan to reduce overcrowding in jails.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service