Investigators believe prisoners started the blaze that killed 68 people in one of the worst jail fires in Venezuela's history by setting some mattresses on fire, the country's chief prosecutor said.

Venezuela's high court has issued an arrest order for the ousted chief prosecutor's husband after authorities accused him of running a US$6m extortion ring.

Latin American leaders today reacted furiously at the instalment of Pedro Carmona as Venezuela’s interim leader following a huge military revolt, calling the new government illegitimate.