Asylum seekers escape after fire

Firefighters struggle to contain the fire at the detention centre

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Asylum seekers at a UK detention centre escaped after a series of fires spread through the building.

The fire began in an administrative building and spread through the linked complex at Yarl's Wood centre near Bedford, north of London.

The initial blaze followed rioting among detainees who are being held after having failed in their applications for asylum.

Bedfordshire Police said eight escapees -- six men and two women -- had been detained and were being kept at a local police station but added they had not been arrested.

A total of 384 were being detained at the time of the fire and outbreak. Up to 20 people are believed to have escaped the complex which is guarded by the private security firm Group 4.

Six people suffered minor injuries in the fire, which broke out Thursday night and continued into Friday.

Firefighters battled against the raging fire and police worked to secure the perimeter of the facility.

A source told the UK's Press Association: "It certainly appears to be a breakout attempt."

Police described the situation as "very serious" as towering plumes of smoke poured from the centre.

A spokesman confirmed a criminal investigation had been opened but would not confirm that the fires were being treated as arson.

The first fire started in the reception hall and was extinguished, but other blazes broke out in the same wing.

Officials at the detention facility moved detainees to portions of the complex considered safe, but also had to scramble for blankets to cover many of the partially-dressed inhabitants.

Other detainees were moved off the premises. Riot police were helping maintain order.