A major police operation is unfolding at Yongah Hill Detention Centre in Northam, with dozens of officers, including the riot squad, on site.

Two people have been arrested, after a 32-year-old Turkish man was stabbed and a fire lit inside the facility.

Police have yet to release any details but 9 News Perth reporter Kelly Haywood told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast detainees within the centre had sent her videos showing a man being detained while another was receiving CPR..

“We’ve had detectives, forensics, police coming and going all morning, the riot squad is currently inside, standing ready to go, they’ve got their shields out,” she said.

“One of the detainees was stabbed by another detainee last night, that is what we are hearing from multiple people inside the detention centre here.”

The centre holds people awaiting or fighting deportation from Australia. In 2020, there were around 260 people staying at the facility.

Riots have previously broken out at the centre, including in 2018 after a detainee self-harmed.

Tap PLAY to hear Kelly Haywood’s full report on the unfolding drama