Roundup: Aussie state gov't calls for "urgent independent review" following youth prison riot

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SYDNEY, July 23 (Xinhua) -- After a 21-hour riot that left at least seven youths badly injured at an Australian juvenile detention facility Monday, the New South Wales (NSW) State government has ordered an "urgent independent review" into the matter.

Beginning on Sunday evening, around 21 detainees aged between 16-20 armed themselves with makeshift weapon after stealing keys to a prison work shed at the Central Coast's Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Center.

The group then used metal poles, shovels, squash rackets and bladed implements to attack fellow inmates before heading to the roof of the complex where they spent the night in near-freezing temperatures.

Described as "horrific" by state authorities, "three men continue to receive medical treatment at Gosford Hospital; one man suffered stab wounds and a collapsed lung, another suffered head and facial injuries, and the third man suffered a fractured ankle," NSW Police said in a statement on Tuesday.

Four others were also taken to hospital with a variety of other injuries.

Searching for answers after the chaotic scenes, NSW Minister for Families and Communities Gareth Ward said, "I have asked for an urgent independent review into the incident."

"It will be conducted by former Police Assistant Commissioner Lee Shearer. This inquiry will get to the bottom of what happened at Frank Baxter."

In addition to the investigation, Ward added that there are also plans being formed "to establish a unit at Frank Baxter to manage high-risk offenders."

With the stand-off finally coming to an end after heavily armed tactical officers stormed the roof of the prison on Monday evening, NSW Police said a highly successful negotiation operation saw nine detainees eventually surrender peacefully.

In total, 21 male detainees have been charged with rioting offences.

If found guilty, the crime carries a 15-year maximum prison sentence under the Australian law.

"While the incident will be subject to a police investigation, actions that put the safety and security of staff and detainees at risk will not be tolerated," Ward said.

"Any detainees involved in instigating the incident will feel the full force of the law."

"Youth Justice is working closely with Corrective Services NSW and NSW Police to ensure the secure restoration of operations at the center," he added.

"I commend NSW Police for resolving the situation." Enditem

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