At least four police officers were hurt during a violent riot that erupted on the streets outside The Hague last night, after two rival groups of Eritreans clashed following a a political disagreement.
Rioters torches police cars and a bus, and Dutch police officers were forced to use tear gas to try and dispel them.
Dozens of rioters were filmed surrounding the Opera conference hall along Fruitweg in the Netherlands, as multiple police vans drove to the scene.
Another clip also showed the aftermath. The building had several smashed windows and parked vehicles were on fire, with the street left looking like a warzone.
A fight broke out between two groups of Eritreans. 'It got seriously out of hand,' The Hague Municipality spokesman Robin Middel said last night.
Police said that during the disturbances, two officers sustained injuries to their hand and another to her teeth. A fourth was hit by a police car in the chaos.
'Out of nowhere, our colleagues were confronted with very intense and serious violence,' said police commander Marielle van Vulpen.
Police made several arrests and have called for witnesses and video footage, as they investigate the riots.
The violence used against police officers and equipment is appalling and unacceptable,' said the city's mayor Jan van Zanen.
An official said a group loyal to Eritrea's government was holding a meeting when the venue was attacked by Eritreans who oppose the African nation's government.
Shards of glass covered the streets and smoke from the tear gas could be seen seeping into the air, as coppers had their cars pelted by bricks, bikes and traffic signs.
Officers dressed in riot gear barricaded the entrance to the building and dealt with a fire that had broken out inside. They removed what appeared to be a fuel canister from the property.
Netherlands-based journalist Owen O'Brien shared the footage on X and wrote: 'Rioters break into an entrance at the #Opera.
'Windows are broken and attempts are made to enter. The fire brigade has also left again and cannot extinguish the fire.'
The reporter said the Opera hall had suffered 'extensive damage' because of the violent riots.
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