The police are holding 27 migrants after a riot at the Safi detention centre left a number of police officers injured, a police statement read.

Five of these migrants are held under arrest after they escaped and were caught.

The incident occurred at 2am, Rapid Intervention Unit officers and members of the Special Intervention Unit, as well as AFM officers, were called to control a group of migrants who were causing damage and throwing stones at workers in the detention centre.

"While the police were bringing the situation under control, a number of migrants injured seven RIU officers. A medical team was called and an ambulance took two police officers to Mater Dei Hospital for more treatment. The two were certified as having suffered grievous injuries."

The police said that five migrants had escaped after attacking Detention Services officials with stones and metal. One of these migrants also suffered injuries after a security official from a private company allegedly fired a shotgun at him while he was in a vehicle. The migrant was taken to hospital and suffered slight injuries. The official is being held by the police.