Authored by Thomas Brooke via Remix News,
A fire was started in bushes outside an asylum center in the Dutch town of Loosdrecht on Tuesday evening, prompting a major police response after weeks of local protests against the facility.
Protesters threw flares and fireworks onto the grounds of the building,which is located at the town hall on De Rading.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show rioters initially blocking firefighters from reaching the blaze.
After Mayor Mark Verheijen of Wijdemeren issued an emergency order, riot police intervened, and firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire.
One person has so far been arrested on suspicion of arson and is awaiting questioning,De Telegraafreported, citing a police source.
BREAKING: 🇳🇱 The asylum center in Loosdrecht is on fire.Firefighters are reportedly being blocked from the scene.The Dutch town has been protesting the arrival of asylum seekers for the past month with multiple demonstrations by residents.pic.twitter.com/4AzsAxhGVY
The fire came on the same day the first asylum seekers arrived at the temporary shelter, with 70 migrants expected to stay at the facility.
The project has been the focus of fierce local opposition for weeks. Loosdrecht, a town of around 8,000 people, had originally been set to receive 110 asylum seekers,but officials scaled the plan back to 70 after days of mass protests.
The opening of the center had also been delayed after officials said they could not guarantee the safety of the asylum seekers.
Source: ZeroHedge News
