Youth offenders break out of units, climb on roof

Youth offenders broke out of their units at a Canterbury youth justice facility, climbing onto a roof this afternoon.

A parent who went to Te Puna Wai in Rolleston to visit their child told Chris Lynch Media she saw “kids on the roof” just before 3pm.

She said “it didn’t look like they were coming down anytime soon.”

Oranga Tamariki Deputy Chief Executive Rachel Letoa said “a situation occurring earlier this afternoon has been resolved.”

A police spokesperson said police responded to an incident at an address on Runners Road earlier this afternoon.

Police attended and the situation was resolved without incident.”

The facility is an Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children - youth justice residence that has a capacity for up to 40 young people.

It’s the second incident of this kind to happen at the facility.

In February, five youths escaped from their units, climbing on to the roof.

A staff member was injured during that incident.


Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email chris@chrislynchmedia.com

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