Rioting prisoners burn section of Lusignan prison facility in Guyana

A huge fire on Sunday destroyed a section of the Lusignan prison facility on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana.

Residents in the area say prisoners started a protest early Sunday at the penitentiary after which the facility went up in flames. Residents also said they heard prisoners screaming.

Police say that following a report of narcotics found about 12:45 p.m. today, and the subsequent activation of a search by an investigative team, some prisoners from the facility began rioting.

As a consequence, the relevant joint services protocol was activated. Joint services ranks were able to contain the riot and escort most prisoners from the Lusignan Prisons to nearby facilities.

The situation is contained at this time and logistics and other systems are being implemented.

The fire is completely extinguished and several inmates who sustained injuries are receiving medical attention. There are no reports of death or escape at this time.