Mass breakout from Oz immigration centre after riots

Media reports said the protesters were Afghans and unfurled a banner saying,8221;We need protection not detention8221;.

8220;At this time they are sitting not far from the fence with their banners as a peaceful protest,8221; the spokeswoman said. 8220;Police are negotiating with the detainees.8221;

The mass break-out comes after more than 100 alleged people-smugglers torched mattresses and staged a protest on the roof of the detention centre in two days of disturbances on Sunday and Monday.

The centre for 450 people is housing 151 Indonesians accused of people-smuggling,with the remainder asylum seekers or people who have overstayed visas.

Australia has a policy of mandatory detention for asylum-seekers while their claims are processed,and generally processes the immigrants at remote Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

But increased numbers of poor immigrants 8211; more than 4,000 this year,mainly poor Asians fleeing conflict and economic hardship 8211; have forced the reopening of isolated centres on the country8217;s mainland.