Police probe Curtin guard assault

Police are investigating the alleged assault of a female security guard at the Curtin Immigration Detention Centre.

The guard was found unconscious and suffering head injuries early yesterday in an accommodation block laundry room, an immigration department spokeswoman said today.

The woman, employed by the private security firm Serco, was taken to Derby Hospital for treatment and has since been released.

Australian Federal Police are investigating the incident and the Immigration Department and Serco have also launched inquiries.

The immigration spokeswoman said violence was not tolerated in detention centres and anyone convicted of a criminal offence would automatically fail a character test and be liable to have visa applications refused.