At least 11 prisoners have been killed and several others injured during a fight between gangs at a jail near the Brazilian capital, Brasilia.

Authorities believe about 11 people died in the bloodbath, and some of the bodies were then doused in petrol and burnt.

The most seriously injured prisoners have been taken to hospital.

More than 60 policemen are inside the jail, and they say the situation is under control.

According to the authorities in Brazil's federal district, the fight began at 0800 local time, (1100 GMT) when members of a prison gang armed with knives burst into cells belonging to other inmates.

Gangs blamed

One official said he believed the gangs were struggling for control of the drugs trade in the jail.

Other sources say the killers were taking revenge for the death of one of the gang members during a fight at the weekend.

Brazil's jails are notoriously overcrowded and violent places.

Efforts by the authorities to build more prisons have not managed to reduce the atmosphere of fear of brutality which still predominates.

Torture is widespread and criminal gangs are often able to pay off officials, making sure they can impose their will over weaker inmates.