At least three people have been killed and hundreds of inmates have fled after armed gangs stormed Haiti’s main prison.

The raid on Saturday night comes as police struggle to control escalating violence in the Caribbean nation.

Fewer than 100 of the facility’s 4,000 prisoners remained at the site in the capital Port-au-Prince on Sunday morning, according to human rights lawyer Arnel Remy.

During the disorder, a group of detained Colombians shared a video on social media in which they pleaded for their lives.

Former soldier Francisco Urib said in the 30-second clip: “Please, please help us.

“They are massacring people indiscriminately inside the cells.”

A police union also appealed for help during the raid.

It repeatedly posted an SOS emoji on social media and added: “They [police] need help…

“Let’s mobilise the army and the police to prevent the bandits from breaking into the prison.”

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Three bodies were seen at the prison’s entrance on Sunday morning, with police outside refusing to comment to reporters.

Those said to still be inside the prison include 18 former Colombian soldiers accused of working as mercenaries during the July 2021 assassination of president Jovenel Moise.

The raid came while current president Ariel Henry is abroad in Kenya trying to drum up support for a UN-backed security force to help his government regain control.

Mr Henry has repeatedly postponed plans to hold elections following his predecessor’s killing, prompting angry protests calling for his resignation.

Four police officers were killed during battles with armed groups in the capital on Thursday, including during a shoot-out in the city’s international airport.

Gang members, who are estimated to be in control of up to 80% of the capital, also seized two police stations.

There are just 9,000 police officers in Haiti out of a population of more than 11 million people, according to estimates from the UN.

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