At least five killed in Venezuela jail violence

Officials in Venezuela say at least five prisoners have been killed in an exchange of gunfire between rival gangs at the main prison in the capital, Caracas.

The authorities say the opposing groups were apparently fighting for control of the drugs trade inside La Planta prison.

Correspondents say Venezuela's jails are notorious for their overcrowding and violence; more than three hundred inmates were killed during 1997.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service