Immigration Minister Scott Morrison says a number of asylum seekers have been arrested after a “disturbance” at the Manus Island detention centre.

He says the centre is now “calm” and staff are safe.

News of the incident emerged after refugee advocacy groups reported a riot squad was mobilised when asylum seekers breached the centre’s perimeter fence on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Morrison says he has received reports that PNG police have arrested a number of asylum seekers.

He says some have received medical treatment and damage at the centre is “minor”.

The Refugee Action Coalition says the riot escalated after detainees were told they would not be resettled in Australia.

Most recent reports from Manus indicate the riot squad has been mobilised and the perimeter fence has been breached http://t.co/fHQ7qeR5zY

— RAC Sydney (@rac_sydney) February 16, 2014

Mr Morrison has dismissed those claims.

“I am advised that suggestions reportedly made by asylum advocate groups in relation to this incident that transferees had been informed they would not be settled in Papua New Guinea are false,” he said in a statement on Monday.

About 1300 asylum seekers are housed on Manus Island.

MORE TO COME.