Police charge youth offenders who climbed on to Rolleston justice facility roof after breaking out of units

The facility is an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence that has a capacity for up to 40 young people. Photo / Sam Sherwood

Five young offenders broke out of their units at a Rolleston youth justice facility, climbing on to a roof where they stayed for several hours last night.

Police said one has been charged with common assault after the escape. Other charges are being considered in regards to the others.

Emergency services were called to Te Puna Wai o Tūhinapō in Rolleston, Christchurch shortly after 8.30pm.

The Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children - youth justice residence has capacity for up to 40 young people.

Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive Rachel Letoa said five young people who left their unit and accessed a roof were brought down with help from police just before midnight.

Five young people left their unit and accessed a roof just after 8.30pm. Photo / NZME

“One staff member received minor injuries as a result of the incident and one young person has been taken into police custody.”

Oranga Tamariki will review what happened, Leota said.

Six police vehicles and a fire engine were outside the building last night and young people could be heard yelling out to each other from inside the facility.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon said questions should be directed to Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis on why the escape occurred.

“They’re questions for the Government to do a good review and understand what happened,” he said.