Managua  - More than 150 inmates rioted in a provincial Nicaraguan prison, and authorities mobilized hundreds of police to restore order, local radio stations reported.

The pro-government Nueva Radio Ya said at least five inmates were injured and one had died during the melee Tuesday, but that report had not been confirmed by officials.

The riot occurred in the Central Penitentiary of Chinandega, 130 kilometres north-west of Managua, when a group of inmates rose up against the guards to demand better conditions and reductions of their sentences, media reports said.

Riot police used tear gas to contain the inmates, who had destroyed part of the roof of the facility which houses about 800 prisoners.

Government corrections officials and human rights advocates arrived at the prison hoping to mediate a solution, along with the local Red Cross and volunteer rescue agencies, Nueva Radio Ya said. (dpa)