Two minors held after second Zaandam explosion in five days

Police have arrested two minors on suspicion of involvement in an explosion that blew the back wall off a Zaandam flat in the early hours of Monday.

The blast at the Hof van Zaenden was reported at about 1.40am and was followed by a fire, which the fire service put out quickly. Residents of the block were evacuated because of fears it might collapse, regional broadcaster NH reported.

Nobody was in the flat where the device went off and no one was hurt by the blast, police said.

Officers found the two suspects in a car close to the block shortly after the explosion. Police have not given their ages, saying only that both are under 18.

Debris from the wall was scattered on both sides of the building, and windows and frames in neighbouring flats were damaged. Forensic officers worked with the defence ministry’s bomb disposal unit to secure evidence at the scene.

It is the second explosion in Zaandam in five days. A blast damaged a window at a house on Saenredamstraat late on Thursday, and police are still appealing for witnesses.