Video: Fights break out outside Ter Apel center on first night after aid groups pull out

Multiple fights broke out at the entrance area of the Ter Apel asylum application center on the first evening after the Red Cross and VluchtelingenWerk stopped providing assistance there because of safety concerns. A man also became unwell at the site and was taken away by ambulance, according to ANP.

A small group of men repeatedly appeared to seek confrontations with asylum seekers staying at the center, leading to several incidents of unrest and physical fights. Security guards and police intervened during some of the clashes, although it was not clear whether action was taken in every case. It was also unclear whether any arrests were made.

Around 8:30 p.m., a man became ill near the entrance of the center. Security staff provided first aid before an ambulance took him away.

The incidents came after two stabbing incidents occurred in two days near Ter Apel, prompting the Red Cross to stop its aid work at the center’s entrance Friday evening. VluchtelingenWerk also decided to temporarily withdraw because it said the safety of aid workers and asylum seekers could no longer be guaranteed.

VluchtelingenWerk says a small group of people with "little chance of receiving asylum" has been causing increasing problems in the area outside the center.

Another aid organization, MiGreat, continued operating at the site during the evening. “But it is up to the authorities to take responsibility now, because vulnerable people are the ones suffering,” the organization said Friday.

The municipality of Westerwolde, where Ter Apel is located, acknowledged the safety problems and called on the government to quickly arrange enough reception places elsewhere.