Dozens hurt in Christmas Island detention centre riot

Last Updated: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:37:00 +1100

Dozens of men at Australia's Christmas Island immigration detention centre have been injured during a riot between Afghan and Sri Lankan inmates.

The brawl broke out between about 150 men at the centre on Saturday night.

Staff brought the riot under control within half an hour.

37 detainees received medical treatment on the island, another 10 were treated in hospital

Three men are being transferred to Perth in Western Australia for medical treatment suffering a broken nose, leg and jaw.

Three staff members at the centre were injured trying to break up the riot.

The Australian Federal Police and the Department of Immigration have launched an investigation into the incident.