A midday fire at the Lusignan Prison which was triggered by searches for drugs and illegal items, has been completely extinguised.

A number of inmates who were injured are being treated for minor injuries.

The fire was reportedly set by angry inmates at an old building in the prison around 12:30 as prisoners started a riot over searches.

The Fire Service and Joint Services were quickly summoned to the Prison and the blaze was put out. However, the section of the building where the fire started was completely gutted.

In a statement this afternoon, the Guyana Police Force said the situation has been contained and systems are being implemented to safeguard the rest of the facility.

Some prisoners have been moved to other holding facilities in the same Lusignan prison compound. An investigation is underway.

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