Three teenagers have been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a building at Tasmania’s Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
The blaze broke out about 3pm on Sunday while police were working to contain a disturbance at the facility near Deloraine.
Police said the disturbance followed reports that three youths had armed themselves during an incident inside the centre.
“Significant damage has been caused to an area of the facility,” police said.
Two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old were arrested at the scene and taken into custody. No injuries were reported.
Tasmania Fire Service investigators and police forensic officers spent Monday examining the damage as part of ongoing investigations.
The teenagers were taken to Launceston Police Station on Sunday before being returned to the centre ahead of their court appearance today.
All three have been charged with arson and destroying property.
Ashley Youth Detention Centre houses young offenders under 18 who are either on remand or serving custodial sentences.
Police have not revealed what sparked the initial disturbance or how the youths allegedly obtained weapons while in custody.
