Andre Williams, STAR Writer

Correctional Officers at the Metcalfe Street Juvenile Remand Centre were forced into rescue mode yesterday after a 15-year-old inmate threatened to jump from a roof at the facility, THE WEEKEND STAR understands.

The news team was told the ward armed himself with stones, which were being used as missiles to drive correctional officers away from the area where he was.

When contacted, a spokesperson at the facility refused to comment but not before instructing THE WEEKEND STAR to call today.

However, a senior source within the Correctional Services, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident.

"Well, I was informed and can confirm that a juvenile was positioned on the roof of the facility, threatening to jump, having armed himself with stones to prevent officers from reaching to him," said the correctional officer.

THE WEEKEND STAR was told the normal approach would be to fire warning shots in the air. However, that practice has been discontinued.

It is reported that a large crowd had converged curiously around the perimeter of the facility after observing and hearing the boy shout from the top of the building.

The boy was later removed from the roof by a team of correctional officers. There were nothing to indicate that force was applied in removing the boy from the roof.

Last month, there were several reports of juveniles escaping from that particular facility coupled with several reports of disturbances arising between the wards of state and correctional officers.

The Office Of The Children's Advocate has reportedly called for a speedy investigation into the reports of juveniles escaping from the facility and also for a probe into wards being abused.