TEHRAN: Iranian authorities confirmed on Saturday that some prisoners escaped after the Israeli missile attack on Evin prison in the capital, during the brief war between the two nations, reported German news agency (dpa).

A small number of prisoners managed to escape after the bombing almost three weeks ago, said judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir.

He did not give an exact number.

He said five prisoners were among at least 71 people who were killed.

Israel described the attack as a symbolic blow against Iran's government.

Activists and former inmates said the attack had jeopardised the lives of political prisoners.

Several Europeans are also imprisoned in Evin.