Clashes and arrests - Police crack down on protesters against planned asylum centre in southern Netherlands

"Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with police in Bleskensgraaf on Tuesday during protests against plans to establish an asylum seekers' centre in the municipality of Molenlanden. Footage shows protesters confronting riot police, burning flares and setting off heavy fireworks outside the town hall. Demonstrators also held a banner reading 'No asylum centre'. The unrest unfolded as the local council met to discuss the proposal. According to reports, protesters had previously gathered in Nieuw-Lekkerland and then travelled in a procession of at least 150 cars to Bleskensgraaf. The mayor, Theo Segers, reportedly briefly suspended the council meeting and ordered the crowd to disperse. After this, tensions eased. According to the Dutch dispersal law, Molenlanden has the responsibility to house approximately 250 asylum seekers, and it is currently exploring four suitable locations for this purpose."