Anuradhapura: Sri Lankan police have begun investigations into the alleged prison riot in the Anuradhapura jail that left two inmates dead and at least six hospitalized with gunshot injuries.

A statement from police headquarters  said some prisoners had begun a protest after the prison authorities had imposed restrictions on visitors and also prevented the families of inmates from bringing food from outside.

“After they began damaging property the prison authorities took steps to control the situation. As the protest escalated there firearms were resorted to,” an official release said.

“As a result of the shooting eight prisoners admitted to the Anuradhapura Hospital and of them two have died,” the statement said.

Police said that no prisoner has escaped and that the situation is now under control.