Fireworks set off at emergency shelter in Ugchelen

On Friday evening, there was a “very loud bang” in the still-empty emergency shelter in Ugchelen. The explosion occurred on the lawn near the gymnasium of the former Bouwhof school, a spokeswoman for the municipality reported. According to the newspaper De Stentor, the explosion involved fireworks.

Although the explosion did not cause any major damage, the explosive device shattered the door and windows of the building. As a result, the refugees who were scheduled to use the shelter on Saturday were unable to use it for the time being, as the damage had to be repaired first.

The emergency shelter was the target of an attack earlier this week. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, an explosive device detonated at the front door of the building.

The explosion occurred at around 8 p.m., according to the municipal spokeswoman. Shortly after the loud bang, security guards called the police who came with three cars to investigate, De Stentor reported. Eyewitnesses saw “some boys” running away. However, they were not found in the area where the explosive went off.

According to the newspaper, there is dissatisfaction and unrest about the arrival of the refugees in the village. Local residents have put up banners making it clear that asylum seekers are not welcome.

Up to 100 refugees are planned to be housed in the former school, for whom there is no more space in the reception center in Ter Apel. There had been resistance around the reception area for some time; parents from the neighboring elementary school, in particular, are said to have felt uncomfortable about the emergency reception. People will be admitted there starting Saturday.