Nearly 350 people charged with crimes over New Year's

The police delivered a total of 344 people to the Public Prosecutor for committing various crimes over New Year's - a significant increase over last year's 276, the Prosecutor announced, AD reports.

Most of the arrested people are suspected of violence. A total of 98 are suspected of violence against a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or other public servants. Across the Netherlands there were incidents of first responders being pelted with fireworks and stones or facing other kinds of violence. A total of 79 police officers faced violence of some sort over New Year's.

So far the Public Prosecutor already handed 27 cases and closed them with a fine. Four cases ended with community service. 19 suspects still have to face the prosecutor. 34 cases were dismissed, mostly due to lack of evidence. And 43 people were sent home with a summons to appear in court on a later date.