Violence Against Officers
While most places experienced a peaceful New Years Eve, unfortunately, in some areas within the police unit, it was different for emergency responders. In several municipalities, officers and other responders were pelted with fireworks and even paving stones and Molotov cocktails. Breda, Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom, and Tilburg stood out.
Breda
In the Tuinzigt and Hoge Vught neighborhoods, incidents began on New Years Eve. Officers were pelted with fireworks, stones, and Molotov cocktails. A police car was severely damaged. Fires and disturbances led to the deployment of the Mobile Unit (ME), arrest teams (AE), and a water cannon to restore order. Several people were arrested.
Roosendaal
The Kalsdonk neighborhood was restless throughout the evening. Officers were attacked with heavy explosives. After several arrests, the unrest decreased. The same applied to the Kroeven neighborhood, where order was restored after some arrests.
Bergen op Zoom
Officers in Bergen op Zoom were so heavily targeted with fireworks that colleagues from Zeeland had to assist. The Mobile Unit was also called in and made several arrests in the Waranda neighborhood.
Tilburg
Before midnight, it was already restless in Westerpark. Initially, officers and mounted police managed to control the disturbances. However, as unrest continued, the Mobile Unit was ultimately deployed to restore peace. Arrests were made here as well.
Arrests
Most people arrested during New Years Eve are suspected of disturbing public order, public violence, violating municipal regulations (APV), and failing to show identification. Most were released during the evening and night with a report, while some had to spend the night in a police station.
Read here the report on the national picture of New Years Eve for the police.