A series of incidents occurred in the Netherlands on New Year's Eve, including arson, vandalism, violence and fireworks incidents. In total, at least 200 people were detained, Dutch police said in a statement.
“What was supposed to be a festive evening in many places has once again turned into a night of destruction and violence“, said police chief Jenny Noll. - Police officers and other people who responded quickly, who tried to ensure a safe celebration, were attacked. It is 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 Kulmborg, police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the rioters. In Amsterdam, police were forced to fire warning shots when they were attacked.
Several incidents were related to pyrotechnics. Cars were set on fire in several cities. In Rotterdam, a 14-year-old boy died in a powerful explosion of fireworks. In several other cities, people were seriously injured. Knoll said the night had confirmed how dangerous powerful pyrotechnics can be. “We are essentially talking about explosives with unprecedented effects,”, she noted. “I don't understand why people own and use it. They are knowingly taking risks that are unacceptable for themselves and others.”
Incidents of stabbings and shootings have occurred in some cities. Police have received several reports of robberies in and around Amsterdam's central Dam Square.
According to preliminary data, police have detained more than 200 people for public order violations, vandalism, violence, drinking alcohol in public and insults. On January 1 last year, law enforcement also reported more than 200 arrests. This figure later increased to 747.