The NT Department of Correctional Services has confirmed a small group of youth detainees were responsible for damaging a section of the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in Berrimah last night.

Acting Commissioner Rosanne Lague said the disturbance broke out just after five o’clock in the centre’s G-block, which formerly held medium-security adult prisoners and ended at about seven o'clock.

“Of the six detainees in the block, only four were involved in the disturbance during which some windows and other fittings were damaged, an attempt was made to set fire to a mattress that was quickly doused with water and a detainee managed to get into a roof space, however the security of the block was not compromised,” she said.

Ms Lague said staff managed the situation professionally with no injuries to either staff or detainees.

“An NTDCS Immediate Action Team was deployed from the Darwin Correctional Centre and Police were called.

“Fire and Emergency Services also attended to ensure there was no further risk of fire.”

Ms Lague said there were 21 detainees currently in Don Dale and this small group of youths continued to present the Department with behavioural and management challenges similar to those they display in the community and for which they are in detention.

“Today we are assessing the cost of the damage at Don Dale and we will be working with Police to lay charges against those involved.”

Media Contact: David Harris 0400 342 389