According to the police, New Year’s Eve in the Northern Netherlands was marked by a number of ‘heavy events’, especially in Groningen.
Not only were there many reports of fire, fireworks nuisance and vandalism in Groningen, the Mobile Unit (ME) had to be deployed in two places. The riot police showed up at De Vlijt in Bedum around 2:10 am, because a safe workplace had to be created for both the fire brigade and the police. Bystanders pelted the emergency services with fireworks.
More than an hour later, the riot police had to be involved in Hoogkerk. The police were also pelted with stones and fireworks there.
According to the police, dozens of officers were injured throughout the country during New Year’s Eve. In most cases they were attacked with heavy and usually illegal fireworks. Several officers suffered hearing damage. “Completely unacceptable,” says Peije de Meij, national New Year’s coordinator at the police.
Employees of the Martini Hospital in Groningen also had to deal with aggression. One patient even had to be removed from the hospital by security.
What do you think? Should the emergency services be left alone during New Year’s Eve? Or is it part of it? Participate in the Statement of the Day and let us know.