Police in the East Flemish city of Ghent say they made a total of 28 arrests during the night of New Year’s Eve. 18 of those detained were minors. As was the case in Brussels and Antwerp, police offices in Ghent were pelted with fireworks, stones and other projectiles. However, Ghent police say that firefights and medical staff did not come under attack there. Elsewhere, the Rivierenland Local Police Service that covers Mechelen (Antwerp Province) reports that it made 10 arrests.
Despite a citywide ban, fireworks were set off at various locations. Police intervention proved necessary, particularly on the Tolhuislaan and Van Beverenplein.
However, the vast majority of people celebrated the New Year without causing any trouble as you can see in the video above.
10 arrests in and around Mechelen
The Rivierenland Local Police Service that covers the city of Mechelen and the municipalities of Willebroek, Puurs-Sint-Amands and Bornem (all Antwerp Province) says that it made 10 arrests. 5 of those arrested will face criminal charges.
The police say that the New Year’s festivities on Mechelen’s Grote Markt went well and without incident. However, 3 people were hospitalised as they had become unwell during the festivities.