SA: Security guards injured in Woomera riot

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2000
SA: Security guards injured in Woomera riot

ADELAIDE, Aug 28 AAP - Security guards have been injured during recent rioting by inmates
at the Woomera detention centre.

An Immigration Department spokesman said 13 security guards suffered injuries, mainly
cuts from objects such as rocks being thrown.

He was unable to say exactly how serious the injuries were, but said some had required
medical attention.

"Most of the injuries, I believe, aren't very serious, but there have certainly been
a number of injuries resulting in lacerations from missiles being thrown," the spokesman
said.

"Our primary concern at this point is the safety of everybody involved, both the detainees
and the staff.

"We're obviously working very hard to ensure that the situation comes to a peaceful conclusion."

Inmates at the centre, 470km north-west of Adelaide, set fire to buildings today and
have been sprayed with water cannons while trying to tear holes in the fence.

Today's riots followed protests over the weekend, during which detainees threw stones
at guards, who responded by spraying the protesters with tear gas on Saturday night.

AAP vm/rs/br

KEYWORD: BOAT WOOMERA INJURIES

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