Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash

This is the moment cops in full protective gear open fire on rioting prisoners in a clash which left one inmate stabbed to death.

The riot took place in the 23rd unit of the Florencio Varela prison in the city of the same name in the Buenos Aires Province in north-eastern Argentina.

According to local media, the police went into the prison equipped with protective gear including shields and helmets whilst rubber bullets and tear gas were used to control the violence.

A clip shows three prisoners using blankets to defend themselves from the advance of the police brigades who are seen holding guns and throwing gas in the prison corridor.

Another clip shows several prisoners on the roof of the building while a man is seen walking with what appears to be a stretcher in one of his hands.

Reports said that several prisoners took over the roof of the prison building, fighting each other with one inmate whose name has not been reported being stabbed to death.

The Buenos Aires Prison Service (SPB) confirmed that the prisoner’s death was caused by a fight between two groups of prisoners who were armed with handmade knives.

Another clip shows a prisoner with his head covered in blood while other men help him to wash it with water.

Several prisoners and prison workers were injured during the riot although the exact number remains unclear.

The cause of the riot is still unclear although local media says it might have been sparked by fears over the poor health conditions in the prison and fears of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first infected prisoner with COVID-19, a 49-year-old man whose name has not been disclosed, was reportedly confirmed this weekend in Unit 42 of this prison.

The case is reportedly being investigated by prosecutor Roxana Gimenez.