The damage caused to private homes and cars during the New Year festivities is likely to top €15m, according to a preliminary report from the Dutch insurance association VvV.

This is up considerably on 2017 and 2018 but down on the €19.5m reported in 2016, the VvV said. Most damage was caused by illegal fireworks and vandalism, particularly the torching of dozens of cars.

‘We need to look again at what we consider to be safe fireworks and tackling the problem of illegal fireworks must remain a top priority,’ director Richard Weurding said.

The Dutch spent some €77m on fireworks for the New Year festivities, a record amount.