SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - Prison riots across Sao Paulo state have ended with the release of some 200 hostages, authorities said.

Prison authorities said the final two rebellions were brought under control late last night. Riots were controlled in 45 prisons and police stations, while 195 hostages were freed, the office of prisons said.

The First Capital Command gang launched riots in 73 prisons, taking some 244 hostages as part of a street offensive against police that left 81 dead over three days in the state.

Gangs targeted civilians for the first time yesterday, torching 56 buses and attacking eight banks, the state government said. At least 23 people were killed yesterday in what some police have called a 'war' declared by the gang.