The yarn formation area of a friction spinning apparatus, in which the rotating friction rollers (1, 2) and the feed duct (8) lie closely adjacent, is quickly and simply cleaned of remaining fibres at a yarn break and protection is provided against damage caused by excess fibres entering the area. One of the rollers (1), which is imperforate, is mounted for pivotal movement away from the area and at a break suction through the other roller (2) is temporarily closed off from one end of the area toward the opposite end to eject the remaining fibres. Return movement of the roller (1) is guided to ensure proper return of the operating position.