Updated | 23 migrants injured in Safi unrest

A total of 23 migrants required medical assistance this afternoon after an argument at the Safi detention centre broke out.

Ia statement, the government said eight migrants required hospital care, 10 were referred to the Floriana health centre for minor treatment while five others refused medical assistance.

Officials said the argument "over the use of a hot plate escalated into a fight".

Immediate intervention by detention services officers brought the situation under control, but members of the police rapid intervention unit were called as precaution.

The medical condition of the migrants has yet to be established.

Earlier

First reports of unrest at the Safi detention centre have confirmed that at least 13 migrants have been injured.

Three asylum seekers are being recovered at Mater Dei Hospital, while 10 have been slightly injured.

MaltaToday is informed that glass shards were during the fight which broke out between migrants of Somali and Eritrean nationality.

First aid was given by the detention services' medical team before the arrival of ambulances from Mater Dei Hospital.

The police's communication office has confirmed that around 10 migrants were being treated for injuries, some receiving treatment at Mater Dei Hospital while others were taken to health centres.