Dozens of Ukraine’s most dangerous prisoners have escaped from a high-security jail after it was hit by shelling in Donetsk.

Authorities say one prisoner was killed while 106 inmates escaped from the jail, on the western outskirts of the besieged Ukrainian city, after it was hit during fighting between government forces and separatist rebels.

City council spokesman Maxim Rovensky today said a riot broke out at the jail after it was hit by a direct rocket, which also left three inmates injured.

He said the fugitives include people jailed for murder, robbery and rape.

Ukrainian government forces have over the past week intensified their push on Donetsk and have succeeded in surrounding it.

Rovensky said at least 10 homes, shops and garages were hit by overnight rocketing. He added that 20,000 people are living without electricity.