An inmate at Canterbury's Rolleston Prison forced the facility into lockdown by scaling his way on to a roof and damaging the property

The incident - which took place on Sunday - has occurred twice at the prison in six weeks.

Acting general manager Russell Watkins says staff responded immediately - and the prisoner voluntarily climbed off the roof about an hour later.

He says the prisoner has been relocated and a review of the incident would take place.

Police have been notified.