Pacific / New Caledonia

Guard beaten in Noumea prison riots

08:42 am on 26 January 2016

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.