Dozens fall ill at Friesland town New Year's celebration

At least 27 people fell ill at a New Year's celebration in the Friesland town of Damwoude around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. They suffered from stinging eyes and breathing difficulties, NU.nl reports.

The affected people were taken to a a sports hall where they were examined and treated by Red Cross workers. No one was sent to the hospital.

According to broadcaster NOS, two party attendees got into a fight and one of them opened a canister of tear gas. The police are still investigating what substance was involved.

According to a spokesperson of the local safety office, the New Year's tent party was briefly paused, but then resumed. Several hundred people attended the party.

An 18-year-old was arrested in connection with this incident.