Riot police break up protest against refugee shelter in Zeeland

Riot police had to disperse a crowd of around 300 people who staged a protest against plans to set up an emergency shelter for 150 asylum seekers.

Councillors were trapped inside the town hall in Tholen, Zeeland, after demonstrators gathered outside with banners during a meeting to discuss the proposed site.

Police said riot squad officers were sent in “to restore public order as quickly as possible” after some of the protesters were accused of inciting violence.

The council wants to accommodate 150 refugees in a building on Postweg for a maximum of two and a half years to meet its obligations under the so-called “spreading law” (spreidingswet), which requires all municipalities to share the responsibility of housing asylum seekers.

Mayor Marleen Sijbers told councillors not to leave the building until they were given the all-clear by police.

Police dogs and a helicopter were also used to clear the crowd outside the town hall by 11pm. Police have not said if any arrests were made.