Sydney: Riots broke out at the Australian immigration detention centre on Christmas Island after the death of an inmate who escaped over the weekend.
Reports from detainees inside the centre said buildings had been smashed, fences broken down and staff have fled.
The Immigration Department confirmed Monday there was "a disturbance in progress" at the centre and said "while there are reports of damage inside the centre its perimeter remains secure. There are no reports of injuries.
"The department is working with its partners to restore the good order of the centre. Any criminal offences will be referred to the police for investigation." A detainee who escaped from the centre on Saturday was found dead at the bottom of cliffs away from the centre a day later, the department said. The cause of death was not yet determined.
Several New Zealanders in the detention centre awaiting deportation for visa violations said the riot broke out when inmates asked about the fate of the escaped man.
QNA
