MELEE AT RIKERS BREAK OUT! 12 OFFICERS & 3 PRISONERS ARE SENT TO THE HOSPITAL!

A major disturbance at Rikers Island Saturday night sent 12 correction officers and three inmates to the hospital.

Authorities said several inmates refused to go to their cells for routine lock-in, ABC Eyewitness News reported.

Prison officials said the melee may have been sparked by anger over a prisoner search earlier in the day.

The jail was put on heightened alert Sunday.

The injured inmates are awaiting trial and were identified as high-security prisoners.

Most injuries were minor, but one officer required 20 stitches for gashes on his head and face.