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Fires started at asylum centre Fires started at asylum complex
(10 minutes later)
Disturbances broke out overnight in all four wings of the UK's largest immigration detention centre and number of fires were started. Disturbances broke out overnight in all four wings of the UK's largest immigration detention centre and a number of fires were started.
Police and prison staff from across southern England were called to the Harmondsworth centre in west London.Police and prison staff from across southern England were called to the Harmondsworth centre in west London.
Staff are in discussions with detainees and the perimeter has been secured, the Home Office said.Staff are in discussions with detainees and the perimeter has been secured, the Home Office said.
A prisons' watchdog report heavily criticised the centre's regime this week after repeated disturbances.A prisons' watchdog report heavily criticised the centre's regime this week after repeated disturbances.
Sprinkler systemSprinkler system
The Metropolitan Police said they were called at about 0040 GMT and officers were providing assistance at the scene, near Heathrow airport. Fire crews are also on standby.The Metropolitan Police said they were called at about 0040 GMT and officers were providing assistance at the scene, near Heathrow airport. Fire crews are also on standby.
A Home Office spokesman said specialist prison officers were drafted in when several fires were lit in the early hours, setting off the sprinkler system.A Home Office spokesman said specialist prison officers were drafted in when several fires were lit in the early hours, setting off the sprinkler system.
He said the situation was ongoing. There were no reports of injuries to staff or detainees.He said the situation was ongoing. There were no reports of injuries to staff or detainees.
"Police have assisted the prison and immigration services by securing the perimeter and there is absolutely no risk to the public," he added."Police have assisted the prison and immigration services by securing the perimeter and there is absolutely no risk to the public," he added.
The centre, which can hold up to 501 people currently has 482 people staying there.The centre, which can hold up to 501 people currently has 482 people staying there.
Bullying fearsBullying fears
In a report published on Tuesday, chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers said the complex was hard to run - but her report was the poorest ever on a removal centre.In a report published on Tuesday, chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers said the complex was hard to run - but her report was the poorest ever on a removal centre.
Detainees said they feared bullying, and staff were unaware of a special plan to prevent suicides.Detainees said they feared bullying, and staff were unaware of a special plan to prevent suicides.
The Home Office said it would draw up a plan to improve the centre.The Home Office said it would draw up a plan to improve the centre.
In 2004 a detainee committed suicide, sparking a major disturbance that led to its temporary closure.In 2004 a detainee committed suicide, sparking a major disturbance that led to its temporary closure.
Since then, Harmondsworth has been at the centre of ongoing campaigns against detention of failed asylum seekers.Since then, Harmondsworth has been at the centre of ongoing campaigns against detention of failed asylum seekers.