Fire at Aust detention centre

The Christmas Island flag

Fires have broken out at Australia's detention centre on Christmas Island overnight, following ongoing protests involving hundreds of asylum seekers.

Police also used tear gas to quell protesters angry at processing delays, refugee advocates claim.

The Australian Federal Police said police at Christmas Island responded to an incident last night, but wouldn't confirm the use of tear gas.

"The immediate priority is responding to the current situation," a police spokesperson told AAP.

No further details were provided. The ABC has reported that a number of sleeping quarters were destroyed when two buildings were set on fire, after the police crackdown.

The protest was sparked by a letter asylum seekers received from Canberra stating that security checks would be undertaken in April.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul believes the letter contained other information that has angered the asylum seekers, and called for restraint at the centre.

"It is obvious the use of force by police is leading to escalating tension and confrontation," he said in a statement, claiming a "strong version of tear gas" has "badly affected protesters".

- AAP