New Year’s Eve saw a series of incidents in the Netherlands, including arson, vandalism, violence and fireworks accidents. In total, at least 200 people were detained, Dutch police said in a statement.
“What should have been a festive evening in many places turned back into a night of destruction and violence,” said Police Chief Jenny Knoll. “Police and other first responders who sought to ensure a safe celebration were attacked. It’s unfortunate.” that New Year’s Eve in our country is accompanied by so many incidents, sometimes very serious.”
In particular, special forces were deployed in Amsterdam, Breda, The Hague, Groningen, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Haarlem. In Culemborg, police were forced to use tear gas to disperse rioters. Law enforcement officers in Amsterdam were forced to fire warning shots when an attempt was made to attack them.
Several incidents involved pyrotechnics. Cars were set on fire in several cities. In Rotterdam, a 14-year-old boy was killed in a powerful fireworks explosion. In a number of other cities, people were seriously injured. Knol said the night confirmed how dangerous high-powered pyrotechnics can be. “Essentially, we are talking about an explosive with an unprecedented effect,” she said. “I don’t understand why people own it and use it. They deliberately take risks that are unacceptable to themselves and others.”
There have been incidents of stabbings and shootings in some cities. Police have received several reports of robberies in and around the central Dam Square in Amsterdam.
According to preliminary data, the police detained more than 200 people for violating public order, vandalism, violence, drinking alcohol in public places and insults. On January 1 last year, law enforcement agencies also reported more than 200 arrests. This figure later increased to 747.