The UN said its Mission in South Sudan is investigating reports of around 80 people killed in a massacre committed by armed men dressed in military clothing.

Martin Neskiry, the UN spokesman said according to local sources, 78 people have been killed so far with a further 68 injured. Nine people are also reported missing and thousands are displaced.

He added the UN team saw 15 bodies unburied in Warrap state and said 'the attack was carried out by an unknown number of gunmen in military uniform coming from the town of Mayandit in Unity state.'

Neskiry stressed the human rights team of the Mission in South Sudan will investigate the matter and hold a meeting with humanitarian agencies operating in the region to coordinate a response.