Grenades found in front of Rotterdam store prompting evacuation

A pair of hand grenades were discovered in front of a souvenir and water pipe shop in Rotterdam on Saturday. Ten homes were evacuated while the police explosives unit investigated the munitions found in front of Souvenirtje & Meer on Schiedamseweg.

There were no injuries following the 9 a.m. police response. Trams were diverted from the area, and several streets were shut down, police said. The area was reopened at about 2 p.m. when the grenades were safely transported to the national forensics laboratory NFI. They will be examined for trace evidence, police said.

It is not yet known why the explosives were left on the street. Grenades are a frequent tool of extortionists in the Netherlands, who expect municipalities to shut down the building where explosives are found for an extended period of time. This can cause financial damage to business and property owners. 

Authorities are asking that anyone with knowledge of the motive, or those involved, to contact them immediately.

The police have started an investigation into the reason for placing the grenades at this store. From which angle does this come and why with this entrepreneur? Do you have information that is important for th