50 prisoners and a dozen guards are reported to have died in a prison break in Iraq.

BBC reports that 50 prisoners - including some members of Islamic State - escaped from the prison in Khalis, which is located to the north-east of Baghdad.

A police source told Reuters the incident started when guards went to break up a fight between prisoners. Reuters also says 50 prisoners were killed in the incident, along with 12 prisoners.

"Then the prisoners attacked them, stripped them of their weapons and started a riot while also managing to capture the armory of the prison," the source said.

However there have also been some conflicting reports, with some suggesting that IS members stormed the prison in an attempt to free prisoners inside. The interior ministry has denied any external assault.

A curfew has been imposed in the area while authorities search for the escaped prisoners.