Rioters torch Australia asylum seeker detention centre

Rioters at Villawood detention centre threw roof tiles and other objects at firefighters, preventing them from putting out the blazes.

The riot started with a rooftop protest from two detainees and spread to involve 100 people late on Wednesday.

Protests at Australia's detention centres have become more frequent as the number of asylum seekers has risen.

Immigration Department spokesman Sandi Logan said no injuries had been reported at Villawood.

Riot police had to be called in to restore order after the centre's unarmed guards retreated in the face of the riot.

"It took some time for the firefighters to be able to gain entry," he said.

"They had had roof tiles and other pieces of furniture being hurled at them by some of the detainees, so it was impossible for them to extinguish the blaze.

"But with the riot squad protection they were able to do that."

A large gas cylinder exploded and a kitchen, laundry, medical facility and a computer centre were destroyed.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said many of those involved in the riot had had applications for asylum rejected.

"These are people, in many instances, who are not happy that they have not been accepted as refugees," he said.

Villawood detention centre holds both irregular maritime arrivals - people arriving in Australia by boat to seek asylum - and people already on the Australian mainland who have violated their visas or had them cancelled.

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