A chilling text message was sent to terrified local residents overnight after ten dangerous criminals broke out of a nearby prison.
Police said five inmates were still on the run after the Tuesday evening jail break as smoke poured from Greenough Regional Prison after a riot erupted among the male prisoners.
Officers recaptured five of the escaped convicts by Wednesday morning.
A massive manhunt is still underway for the remaining escapees, who are on the loose near the town of Geraldton in the mid-west region of Western Australia.
A total of inmates escaped from Greenough Regional Prison (pictured), prompting police to issue and urgent warning to residents to keep their doors and windows locked
Chilling text messages have been sent to terrified local residents after a dozen dangerous criminals broke out of a nearby prison
A massive manhunt is still underway for the remaining escapees, who are on the loose near the town of Geraldton in the mid-west region of Western Australia
Following the riot, police sent a chilling text to residents, warning them to stay indoors.
‘Several inmates have escaped Greenough Prison. Lock all doors and windows. Report anything suspicious to police,’ the message read.
The escapees climbed on top of the female unit at the prison during the riot, according to 7News.
A female inmate said the men climbed onto the roof, smashed windows and lit couches on fire.
‘All the officers hightailed it out of there,’ she claimed.
Smoke was reportedly seen coming from the prison, a witness claimed, and an ambulance was seen arriving at the scene, Perth Now reported.
The riot is believed to be in response to regular lockdowns, according to 7News.
The escapees climbed on top of the female unit at the prison during the riot, smashed windows and lit couches on fire
Police said five inmates were still on the run after the Tuesday evening jail break as smoke poured from Greenough Regional Prison (pictured) after a riot erupted among the male prisoners
Captured prisoners were returned to their cells as authorities work to determine the identities of those still at large.
The prison was housing 323 male and female prisoners in maximum, medium and minimum security units, but is only designed for 223, ABC News reported.
The centre is located 16 kilometres south of Geraldton, which is about 420 kilometres north of Perth
A WA Police spokeswoman said ‘a large police operation is currently underway to ensure public safety and apprehend the outstanding escapees.’
‘There is currently a disturbance occurring at the Greenough Regional Prison involving inmates,’ she said.
‘We urge the public to ensure that all their doors and windows are locked and if driving in the area to keep doors locked.’
The prison (entrance pictured) is located 16 kilometres south of Geraldton, which is about 420 kilometres north of Perth