The number of dead from riots in Italy's overcrowded prisons over measures imposed to contain the coronavirus rose to 12 on Tuesday, Reuters quoted officials as saying.

Inmates, many angered by restrictions on family visits, started going on the rampage on Sunday, setting fires, taking hostages and escaping from one prison.

The most violent protests were under control by Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement, but occupations and demonstrations were still going on in 10 prisons.