The Hague Police have released a video showing a group of young people throwing a firework bomb under a moving police van. The incident occurred on December 3 and badly damaged the vehicle. The police are still looking for the perpetrators.
What happened exactly?
A group of young people ran onto Pluvierstraat at around 10 pm and threw a firework bomb at the moving vehicle. At the time of the incident, seven officers were inside the van.
The event was caught on camera by a police helicopter. In the video, you can see the projectile rolling towards the van followed by two large explosions.
Thankfully, the police officers inside the van avoided injury, although a number reported issues with their ears. The van has been seriously damaged.
No suspects have been arrested for this incident at this time, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Stop violence against police
Police chief Paul van Musscher emphasised how dangerous incidents like this are, but said that unfortunately his colleagues have become used to it. “In the run-up to New Year’s, we see fireworks thrown at police officers. But throwing such a firework bomb at officers crosses a line,” he explained.
“This could have seriously injured several police officers or worse. People who are committed to safety in our society, who are doing nothing but their jobs.”
He urged people to stop their reckless behaviour before it gets out of hand. “Consider what can happen if, for example, your son has this type of firework under his bed and it goes wrong. What if these fireworks go off prematurely in a group of people? The consequences cannot be ignored.”
The police ask anyone with information to please come forward and report it.
De politiepost in #Noordwijk bij de Binnenweg is open. Ik zit hier samen met wijkagent Aad @wag_Noordwijk We hebben zelfs koffie mee, welkom voor een praatje #rustterugindewijk #nwk247 #dh247 pic.twitter.com/M8yjFdEzP9
— OE_Hoek (@pol_Hoek) December 13, 2019
Do you have information that can assist the police in the investigation? Call the Investigation Hotline on 0800-6070. If you prefer to share your information anonymously, call Meld Misdaad Anoniem on 0800-7000.
