Four youths have spent the night on to of the roof of a youth justice facility near Christchurch.

Five youths escaped Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo unit on Runners Road just before midday on Saturday.

A staff member at the Oranga Tamariki operated unit was injured and taken to Christchurch hospital with a fractured wrist.

Fire and Emergency crews were initially called to the scene, but have been stood down.

In a statement released on Sunday morning Oranga Tamariki Deputy Chief Executive Mike Bush said Oranga Tamariki staff, with assistance from police, are continuing to manage the incident at Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo youth justice facility near Christchurch.

 Four young people spent the night sheltered in a roof cavity.”

It’s the third such incident to happen at the facility this year.

Two youths were arrested in May after climbing on to the roof.

And in February a group of youths escaped the unit climbing on to the roof.