Several inmates have been stabbed during a riot at an Australian juvenile detention centre.

Police are negotiating with the inmates at the facility north of Sydney and hope the stand-off can be resolved without further injuries, police superintendent John Gralton said.

The riot at the Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre in Karionge started at 8.30pm on Sunday.

Eight inmates had surrendered by Monday afternoon local time, but another 12 had not, Mr Gralton said.

The union representing the guards said inmates stole keys from an officer and took garden tools, including a hedge trimmer and shovels from a maintenance shed.

Public Service Association general secretary Stewart Little said the group had targeted known sex offenders.

“It seems a very sudden and unprovoked incident,” police superintendent Tony Joice said.

“Identifying the means and reasons why the assaults have taken place is part of the investigation.”

Mr Gralton said five injured inmates were taken to hospitals, with one in intensive care. Injuries included stab wounds, a dislocated ankle and a broken nose.

Inmates who participated will be charged with rioting, an offence that carries a potential maximum of 15 years in prison.

The centre can hold up to 120 inmates. Police have quarantined the armed detainees in a building within the complex, Mr Joice said, and all inmates have been accounted for.

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