Asylum seekers arrested at PNG centre

AAP Asylum seekers have been arrested after a fight at the detention centre on Manus Island in PNG

Nineteen asylum seekers have been treated for injuries and eight arrested after a riot at the Australian-run detention centre on Manus Island.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed reports that about 35 asylum seekers broke down a fence around the facility before clashing with security personnel on Sunday.

Fences were broken down inside the compound that houses 1300 transferees, while bunk beds were broken up and pieces were thrown at camp security during the hectic hour-long stand-off.

Mr Morrison said officials were meeting with detainees to answer questions posed in early February.

The officials left when the transferees started chanting, the minister said.

"The centre remained calm but tense until approximately 1815 local time when about 35 transferees from Oscar compound absconded from the centre," he said.

They were quickly found and returned, and the camp was secured by 7.30pm.

"Minor incidents continued into the evening and tensions remained, all compounds were calm by 11pm," Mr Morrison said.

Of the 19 asylum seekers who received medical attention at the facility following the riot, five were still under medical care, he said.

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Asylum seekers arrested at PNG centre