The rioters allegedly targeted known sex offenders (Picture: EPA)

Dozens of inmates armed with chainsaws have stormed a youth prison after escaping their cells and overwhelming the guards.

Several inmates have been stabbed as the rioters allegedly targeted known sex offenders at the Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre, near Sydney, Australia.

So far eight inmates have surrendered but another 12 are still camped out on the prison roof in a standoff with police and guards.

Somehow the rioters got their hands on chainsaws and used them to cut through cell bars and free fellow inmates, 7News reports.


Officers from the riot squad, dog unit, PolAir helicopter and a rescue unit have all responded to the ongoing situation which started at 8.30pm on Sunday.

Inmates stormed the prison armed with chainsaws (Picture: EPA)

An inmate hurls a missile from the roof (Picture: EPA)

At least 12 inmates have still not surrendered (Picture: EPA)

Riot police get ready to approach the rioters (Picture: AAP)

The union representing the guards said inmates stole keys from an officer and took garden tools, including a hedge trimmer and shovels from a maintenance shed.



Police Superintendent Tony Joice said: ‘It seems a very sudden and unprovoked incident.

‘Identifying the means and reasons why the assaults have taken place is part of the investigation.’

Police Superintendent John Gralton said five injured inmates were taken to hospitals and one was in intensive care.

Riot police stand guard during the ongoing riot (Picture: AAP)

An inmate tries to batter down a barbed wire on top of the roof (Picture: AAP)

Inmates play with a ball on the roof of the prison (Picture: EPA)

An inmate escapes from a window armed with a stick (Picture: EPA)

Inmates escaped from their cells and attacked staff (Picture: EPA)

An inmate is arrested by guards (Picture: AP)

Injuries included stab wounds, a dislocated ankle and a broken nose, officials said.

In Australia, inmates found guilty of rioting could face up to 15 years in prison.

The Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Center has a capacity of 120 inmates.

Police say all inmates are accounted for and they have quarantined the armed detainees in a building within the complex.

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