There is unrest in the Schuytgraaf neighborhood in Arnhem. Due to this, the riot police were briefly deployed on New Years Eve. To prevent escalation, part of the neighborhood was designated as a safety risk area from December 31, 20:45 to January 1, 02:00. This means the police are allowed to conduct preventive searches.
The safety risk area applies to the part of the Schuytgraaf neighborhood south of the canoe pond. Since noon, there has been unrest due to large groups of young people with a lot of heavy fireworks. In total, it concerns a group of 40 to 60 people. They throw fireworks at emergency responders, people, and objects. When there also appeared to be a firearm or an object resembling one, the area was designated as a safety risk area.
Deputy Mayor Paul Smeulders: “New Years Eve should be a celebration for everyone. Unfortunately, today there are people ruining it by confronting emergency responders. That is unbelievable and unacceptable. Just as our emergency responders stand ready for us, we must do the same for them.”