In pictures: Woomera riot

About a dozen asylum seekers escaped briefly from a detention facility in the Australian outback, as crowds of protesters gathered outside.

Some of the detainees scaled fences topped with razor wire, while others broke through holes in the fences at the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia.

Protesters have been gathering for several days

Many came prepared for a long stay

Perimeter fences were easily climbed

Even security fences buckled under the strain

Scuffles broke out with police overnight...

... and intensified when protesters stormed the camp

Detainees took their chance to escape

Protesters say they helped several refugees to escape, in disguise