Critical Incident Response Police were called to Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre about 4pm yesterday after four inmates accessed the roof of a secured building inside the prison complex.
Armed with a metal pole and planks of wood, they shouted abuse at police while smashing roof panels, exhaust fans and airconditioning ducts.
Despite attempts to talk the offenders down by prison staff, they remained defiant, one even discharging a fire extinguisher as the police approached below.
Dressed only in shorts and lightweight clothing, the inmates endured near freezing temperatures for almost five hours before two climbed down and were arrested.
Shortly after 9pm, police used tear gas to force the two remaining inmates from the roof area.
The centre has been the subject of a series of violent attacks on staff and recently inmates were placed in extended lockdown after visiting teachers tested positive for COVID-19.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the incident was resolved peacefully and no one was injured.
