AT least 105 inmates escaped from a maximum-security prison in northeastern Brazil on Monday after assailants blasted their way through the front gates, officials reported.

According to the regional Secretary of Social Defense (SEDS), some 20 armed assailants arrived at the Romeu Goncalves Abrantes Prison in Joao Pessoa, capital of Paraiba state, aboard four vehicles, and began shooting at the guard towers.

While breaking down the 5-meter-high gates with explosives, another contingent blocked the access road to the prison, the SEDS said.

Police suspect the operation aimed to rescue four inmates who were arrested last month, and who specialize in assaults against vehicles, safes and ATMs. One police officer was shot and seriously injured.

At least 33 of the escapees were later captured, but the rest remain at large.  (Xinhua)