Netherlands police report unprecedented New Year’s violence

Dutch police said officers faced an unprecedented level of violence during New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country.

Police were pelted with fireworks and explosives in multiple cities as emergency services responded to widespread disorder.

The amount of violence was unprecedented.

Dutch Police Union head Nine Kooiman said.

Kooiman said she was personally targeted with fireworks while on duty in Amsterdam.

Attacks against police and firefighters were reported nationwide during the night.

In the southern city of Breda, petrol bombs were thrown at police officers.

Rotterdam’s eye hospital treated 14 people for fireworks-related eye injuries, including 10 minors.

Hospital officials said two of the injured patients required surgery.

A 17-year-old boy from Nijmegen and a 38-year-old man from Aalsmeer were killed in separate fireworks incidents.

In Amsterdam, a fire engulfed the historic Vondelkerk church in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Authorities said the church’s roof was badly damaged and its 50-metre tower collapsed.

Officials said the structure of the neo-Gothic basilica is expected to remain intact.

The Vondelkerk, built in 1872 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, overlooks the city’s Vondelpark.

A nationwide ban on unofficial fireworks is scheduled to take effect in 2026.

The Dutch Pyrotechnics Association said a record €129 million was spent on fireworks this year.