Two reported dead in Bali jail riot

Two people are reportedly dead after riots in Bali's Kerobokan prison, where Australians are among the inmates.

At 3pm on Thursday two groups of inmates clashed, claiming at least two lives, prison authorities say.

A water canon, ambulance and bomb squad vehicle were on site and prison guards had been evacuated from the jail.

Bambang Yugisworo, head of detectives at Bali Provincial Police, told reporters police were negotiating with prisoners to calm the situation.

"So far, from the report I received, there's no damage or fire," he said.

"Inmates have died, but I don't know exactly yet how many and they've been evacuated to the hospital.

"We're still investigating the root of the problem."

Three Australian members of the Bali Nine are among the inmates at Kerobokan, as well as Joshua Terelinck, a Perth man due for release next week.