Police have this evening secured all inmates at a correctional facility in Malmsbury after a riot occurred about 2.45pm this afternoon, Victoria Police say.
The riot, which involved about 30 inmates, started after a number of youths assaulted a staff member and gained access to his keys.
The staff member received minor injuries during the incident.
Fifteen of the 30 inmates escaped the facility on foot while others accessed the roof and other units.
There was minor damage to the inside of the facility, including smashed windows and a small fire being lit.
Six of the inmates who escaped were arrested about 3.15pm in Lockwood South following a pursuit.
The remaining inmates in the facility were arrested by the Operations Response Unit and secured.
One inmate suffered a minor injury during the arrest.
Later in the evening police arrested a further two of the escapees on foot in the vicinity of Malmsbury.
There are seven inmates still outstanding.
The white Suzuki SUV, which several escapees had been travelling in, was involved in a collision with another vehicle and dumped at the intersection of Springvale and Wellington roads in Mulgrave about 11.40pm.
The occupants have fled the scene and it is not known whether they are now in another vehicle or on foot.
A number of escapees are also believed to be travelling in a blue Ford falcon sedan, with registration ZKV598.
Police have since ruled out the red hatchback as being involved in the incident.
A large number of police including specialist units from Operations Response Unit, Public Order Response Team, Dog Squad, Fugitive Taskforce and Critical Incident Response Team are all working to bring this incident to a resolution.
Members of the community are urged to call Triple Zero (000) if they see either of these vehicles and avoid them.
