Arabic version: ثلاثة محتجزين يتسلقون سطح بانكسيا هيل

According to ABC News, three detainees scaled the roof of Perth’s Banksia Hill Detention Centre on Friday evening, prompting a response by staff and officers in riot gear.

Aerial footage showed damage including two windows, part of the roof and an air-conditioning unit. One detainee was seen throwing what appeared to be a brick to the ground, while at other times the three sat on the roof and spoke with each other. Staff, including some carrying riot shields, watched as other personnel spoke to the detainees.

A Department of Justice spokesperson said shortly after 6pm that three young people were on the roof and staff were monitoring the situation. The spokesperson said there was no risk to the wider public. Banksia Hill is Western Australia’s main youth detention facility and usually holds boys and girls aged from 10 to 17.

The incident came nearly a year after at least six young people climbed onto the roof in late November, with three remaining there overnight. Extra fencing appears to have been added to parts of the roof since then. The government is continuing work on a new $156 million youth detention facility beside Banksia Hill, expected to open in 2028, while a $67 million upgrades and urgent works project is due for completion this year.