Prisoners at a Nicaraguan jail engage in a dangerous stand off with police.

On Friday, inmates at La Esperanza prison in the northern city of Esteli took control of the facility and detained its director following a morning riot that injured at least four police officers.

The inmates are angry about the facility's rundown conditions and the expense of goods available for purchase, according to the city's mayor.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ESTELI MAYOR, FRANCISCO VALENZUELA

"They want things to be sold a bit cheaper; (they say) that there are some things that are too expensive. There are some difficult judicial situations which will go through the proper channels. And they want things to return to normal, with no pressure or retaliation."

Police have surrounded the prison and are keeping a close eye on inmates to prevent more violence.

Families are also camping out, with this woman worried about her son's safety.

Latin America has been rocked by a series of deadly prison riots as prisoners rise up against overcrowding and other unfair conditions.

Hundreds have died in the clashes so far this month.

Jessica Gray, ReuterS