Three youths are in police custody following a fire at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre near Deloraine that caused extensive damage to the facility this afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene around 3pm after reports that three armed youths had set fire to part of the building.
Upon arrival, police found the youths unarmed in an outdoor area of the detention centre, where they were safely taken into custody without incident.
No injuries were reported during the disturbance, according to police.
The Tasmania Fire Service remained at the scene to extinguish the blaze, though authorities have confirmed the damage to the building is extensive.
Investigations into the incident are continuing,” a police spokesperson said.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, either by calling police on 131444 or reporting anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or via crimestopperstas.com.au.
