Suspected pipe bomb, fireworks mortar found at asylum centre under construction

Police have found a fireworks mortar and a suspected pipe bomb at a refugee reception centre under construction in Nuenen, Noord-Brabant. The facility is expected to open later this summer.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the items were genuine explosive devices, according to police. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service has been called in to remove them safely, while officers continue to investigate how the devices came to be at the site.

Police said on X that construction workers discovered a broken window at one of the buildings and saw what appeared to be explosive devices inside. The discovery was reported straight away, prompting a police response. Investigators are currently examining the scene at the Pastoorsmast site.

The planned asylum centre has faced significant local opposition, with the municipality receiving over 1,000 formal objections. The building was also damaged in an earlier suspected arson attack, the effects of which can still be seen on part of the exterior.

Nuenen mayor Freek van Genugten said he was alarmed by the discovery and condemned the incident. He said it was unacceptable that the actions had put both workers and nearby residents at risk.

"These actions are completely at odds with the kind of welcoming community we strive to be for people in need of support," he said. "We are committed to providing shelter while ensuring a safe environment for all residents, and there is no place for intimidation, aggression, or violence."

Van Genugten added that he is in close contact with emergency services and is being regularly updated on developments.

The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) said it would not comment substantively on the discovery of the suspected explosives, describing it as a matter for the police and local authorities to handle.