Walibi says youths came to Fright Nights to cause unrest
Walibi says the unrest at its Fright Nights on Saturday was largely the work of minors who came to provoke. Riot police went in, and police say no one was arrested.
The unrest at Walibi's Fright Nights on Saturday evening was largely the work of "minors who deliberately come to provoke in places where many people gather", the park says, as is also seen elsewhere in the Netherlands and Europe.
Groups of young people fought each other and property was damaged. The riot police (ME) were called in to restore calm.
The trouble began around 22:00, an hour before closing. It started at the main stage by the Ferris wheel and moved towards the Hall of Fame at the entrance, and the scare zones were closed. The park closed at 23:00. About 20,000 visitors were at the sold-out evening.
Police say no one was arrested. Walibi says the people involved were taken out of the park with police help, and that it saw smaller damage at several places, which has largely been repaired.
Fights also broke out at the Fright Nights on the same Saturday last year, and Walibi hired an extra security firm this year. The event continues on its remaining nights, including next weekend.
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Walibi
Walibi is an amusement park in Biddinghuizen in the province of Flevoland, known for its roller coasters and other rides. It is one of the largest theme parks in the Netherlands and draws many day visitors, especially in the warmer months. Its seasonal events, such as Fright Nights in the autumn, are popular with visitors from across the country.