Youths throw fireworks at police over Christmas tree fires in Rijnsburg; 10 arrested
Police arrested 10 people in Rijnsburg late Monday after a group of youths threw fireworks at officers responding to a fire, as firefighters were also dealing with multiple blazes elsewhere in the village, Omroep West reported.
The incidents unfolded around 11:26 p.m. in Rijnsburg, in the municipality of Katwijk. Police said about 40 youths set Christmas trees on fire near a snack bar, causing a substantial blaze.
When officers arrived at the scene, members of the group began throwing fireworks at police. No injuries were reported.
Additional police units were deployed, and a helicopter monitored the group from the air. The operation resulted in 10 arrests. Police said more arrests remain possible.
A police spokesperson said the ages of those arrested were not yet known. Some were detained for failing to show valid identification or carrying invalid ID documents. Others were arrested for disturbing public order. Charges could be expanded to include violence against police, the spokesperson said.
Firefighters were alerted to several fires in Rijnsburg during the evening. At another location in the village, also within the Katwijk municipality, a Christmas tree was set ablaze as well.
