At least 16 dead after violent attack in Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite, Haiti

The attack - reportedly carried out by gang members - occurred in the centrally located town of Petite Riviere de l'Artibonite.

Sixteen people have been confirmed dead and another ten injured, according to police. Several houses have also been burned down.

"This attack underscores the seriousness of the security situation facing the Haitian population," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

According to Dujarric, the figures on the number of dead vary - from 30 to 80 people.

Haiti is hard hit by violent crime and large parts of the country are controlled by armed gangs. In the past year alone, more than 1,400 people have been killed as a result of gang violence, according to a UN report.