DON DALE RIOT
Armed detainees in stand-off with police
FIVE youth detainees at Don Dale armed with weapons including poles were roaming grounds of the infamous youth detention centre and keeping police at bay during a tense stand-off for hours late last night.
The youths had broken out of the centre’s blocks around 3pm yesterday leading to a stand-off firstly with Territory Families staff then the Territory Response Group which extended into the night.
It is unclear what the cause of the incident was, how it escalated or the ages of the youths involved.
The TRG officers, dressed in camouflage, were called in to help bring the stand-off to an end at 6pm.
An NT Police spokesman said the TRG officers were negotiating with youths.
As the disturbance continued, one of the youths was pictured walking the grounds with a white pole.
“There was an incident that occurred at 3pm this afternoon. Territory Families were managing that incident internally. Shortly after 6pm they requested the assistance of the NT Police to help resolve the incident,” the spokesman said.
“There are currently five youths who are outside of the blocks but inside the perimeter fence roaming around inside the centre.
“The TRG and general duties members are on scene assisting Territory Families to resolve the incident. At this stage the youths are still roaming around inside the centre.”
Officers established a cordon around the detention centre.
It is understood none of the detainees escaped from the centre.
The incident is the latest in a string of riots at the much maligned facility.
In November, a riot caused around $1 million in damage and left plumes of smoke billowing out from the centre.
During the riot, inmates set fire to parts of the facility causing extensive damage.
In April, seven teenagers aged between 13 and 17 climbed on to the roof of the facility and remained there for six hours until coming down.