Police officers attacked with fireworks outside Naaldwijk café; No arrests made
Police officers responding to reports of a disturbance in Naaldwijk were targeted with fireworks on Saturday night. The incident occurred on Rembrandtstraat, near a café where a celebration was underway. No injuries were reported, according to NOS and Omroep West.
Authorities received a call at approximately 9:50 p.m. regarding a "large group of people" setting off fireworks near the venue. When officers arrived at the scene, they were immediately met with fireworks directed at them, a police spokesperson confirmed.
In response, additional officers were dispatched to the location. “Violence and aggression against emergency responders is unacceptable,” the spokesperson stated. To restore order, police cleared the café of visitors and cordoned off the street.
Despite the escalation, no arrests have been made in connection with the fireworks attack. Police have launched an investigation and have seized fireworks from the scene. However, details regarding the exact number of officers targeted and the type of fireworks used remain unclear.
The owner of the café declined to comment on the incident when contacted by NOS and Omroep West on Sunday morning.
The incident is not isolated. In 2023, a total of 12,265 police personnel reported experiencing aggression or violence while on duty. Of these cases, verbal abuse was the most common, with 5,543 reported instances. Official statistics for 2024 have not yet been released.
