A guard has been beaten and briefly held prisoner by inmates at New Caledonia's East Camp prison.
Photo: 123rf.com
The police say about 20 detainees in Noumea's overcrowded facility burnt furniture and mattresses during Sunday night.
About 11pm a patrolling guard was assaulted by several inmates who had managed to open the doors of their cells.
A police spokesperson says he was kicked and punched in the head and kept in a cell for about half an hour before being freed by other guards.
Firefighters and police intervened to stop the riot which lasted three hours.