Police arrest 17 in Utrecht and 17 in Arnhem during King’s Night

Police arrested 17 people in Utrecht and another 17 in Arnhem during King's Night festivities, authorities said, even as both cities described the celebrations as relatively calm despite large crowds.

In Utrecht, the arrests included two minors and involved public drunkenness, aggressive behavior, and insults, police said. Mayor Sharon Dijksma called the night relatively quiet and enjoyable overall.

"There are still many people who cause a nuisance at such a moment," Dijksma said. "It concerns, for example, public drunkenness and aggressive behavior. That's unfortunate, but not entirely preventable anymore. Especially because it was so busy in the city." She added, "I was also able to take a brief look at the squares myself, and it looked fantastic."

In Arnhem, the 17 arrests were for assault, disturbing the public order, and insulting people. Municipal enforcers reportedly mainly dealt with people urinating in public.

In Apeldoorn, a fight broke out, and police arrested several people for public drunkenness and disturbing the public order. An ambulance responded to treat the injured. In Almere, a group broke through fences at the Grote Markt during performances, leading to multiple fights; the municipality ended the public party early.