'Keep doors locked': Several prisoners remain on the run after jail break

Police have released a chilling warning for residents of a regional town to lock their doors after 12 inmates escaped from prison on Tuesday afternoon.

A disturbance broke out at Greenough Prison near Geraldton, 400km north of Perth, at 4.30pm, WA Police said.

Twelve men escaped during the melee, with three recaptured shortly before 7pm.

Nine are still on the run, with reports of ambulances arriving at the prison and smoke coming from inside the compound, according to The West Australian.

It is believed that no prison staff were injured during the melee.

Authorities in Geraldton are concerned for the safety of residents living near the prison on Edward Road.

They are advising residents to make sure their doors and windows are locked and anyone driving in the area to keep their car doors locked.

“WA Police are sending resources from Perth and various regional stations to support local officers,” authorities said in a statement.

“A large police operation is currently underway to ensure public safety and apprehend the outstanding escapees.”

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Police have requested that residents immediately call police on131 444 if they sight any suspicious activity or triple-0 in the case of an emergency.

Escapees are likely to be wearing prison greens but there is no further information on the identity of the escapees.

Greenough Regional Prison houses both male and female prisoners in maximum, medium and minimum security units.

It is not known if the escapees are from the maximum security unit.

Designed to hold 223 inmates, concerns about overcrowding at the facility were reported in 2017 when it was revealed that the prison was over capacity and some inmates were sleeping on the floor, according to The ABC.