Dutch police face ‘unprecedented’ New Year violence

Dutch police officers were attacked with fireworks on New Year’s Eve and faced “unprecedented violence”, police said.

A 19th-century church in Amsterdam was engulfed in flames in the early hours of New Year’s Day, but the cause of the fire is still unclear.

Vondelkerk overlooks Vondelpark, the city’s largest park, and has been a tourist attraction since it was built in 1872.

Elsewhere, a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man were killed in a fireworks accident in Rotterdam. In Bielefeld, Germany, local police said two 18-year-old teenagers died after setting off homemade fireworks.

Nine Kooiman, president of the Dutch police union, said she was attacked with fireworks and other explosives while on duty in Amsterdam.

She said the amount of violence was “unprecedented”.

Reports of attacks against police and firefighters have been widespread across the country.

Molotov cocktails were thrown at police in the southern city of Breda. In Rotterdam, the city’s eye hospital said it had treated 14 patients with eye injuries, including 10 minors. Two underwent surgery.

In Amsterdam, the 50-meter-high tower of the historic Vondelkirche collapsed. Authorities said the roof was severely damaged but the structure is expected to remain intact.

This neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers, whose works also include the National Museum.

A ban on unofficial fireworks will come into effect in 2026. Spending on fireworks this year hit a record €129m (£112m), according to the Dutch Pyrotechnics Association.