Trouble broke out at the centre, which is operated by Serco, early on Monday (NZT) after the death of an asylum seeker who had escaped.

The facility houses both asylum seekers and New Zealanders with criminal records awaiting deportation.

Detainees on the island described fires and damage to facilities, with some saying they feared for their safety from those who had been rioting.

Others said they felt unsafe as armed guards and police prepared to enter the facility.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said five detainees were injured during the operation to regain control of the detention centre.

Dutton said tear gas was used by authorities to bring the unrest under control but did not confirm the use of rubber bullets.

No police officers were injured, he said.