Police, enforcement officers targeted in fireworks incidents; Two teens arrested

Two minors were arrested on Tuesday evening after using fireworks to attack police and enforcement officers in separate incidents. One incident took place in Rotterdam, while the attack on the enforcement officers occurred in Overijssel.

In Rotterdam, a 15-year-old boy threw fireworks at a police officer from his home. The officer, patrolling Indrapoerastraat in the Schiemond neighborhood, was injured but is in stable condition, police said Wednesday. The teenager was arrested shortly after the attack.

A similar incident also occurred on Tuesday evening at Goor station in Overijssel, when enforcement officers were attacked with heavy fireworks. Police said Wednesday that a minor has been arrested and is suspected of attempted serious assault.

The arrested minor insulted a police officer, and another teenager also shouted at the officers. “He will have to answer for this at the police station in the new year,” the police wrote on Facebook.

The minors will likely face a fast-track court session. These sessions, held in early January, are designed to swiftly prosecute New Year’s Eve rioters and vandals and serve as a deterrent.

This year marks the last New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands before the nationwide fireworks ban comes into effect. Authorities have warned that celebrations this year could be particularly risky, as people may try to use fireworks before the ban starts.

Police have stepped up patrols and enforcement to prevent incidents like the attacks in Rotterdam and Overijssel. Next year, the new law aims to make New Year’s celebrations safer by prohibiting consumer fireworks altogether.