Teens 12 & 14 Face Arson Charges in Alkmaar Spree

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9 月 21, 2024 #alkmaar, #arson, #girls, #nltimes

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Alkmaar, Noord-Holland, Netherlands (NL Times) – August 19, 2024

Two underage girls, aged 12 and 14, from the city of Alkmaar have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in a series of seven arsons, including a significant fire at the De Mare shopping mall. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) announced the developments on Monday, following the girls’ arraignment on Monday.

The De Mare outdoor mall fire, which occurred on Friday evening, led to the evacuation of dozens of homes and the activation of an NL-Alert. The fire, which started in the KiK store and spread to a neighboring building, was brought under control by around 11 p.m. No injuries were reported, though two people were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics on the scene.

The girls were first brought before the examining magistrate at the District Court of Noord-Holland. The court ordered the 14-year-old to remain in custody for an additional two weeks, while the 12-year-old will not be detained ahead of her trial. The girls are currently suspected of involvement in a total of seven arson incidents.

According to the OM’s overview, the arson spree began on Gasthuisstraat in the city center at 3 p.m., followed by suspicious fires on Laat, Koorstraat, Pettemerstraat, and Noorderkade at varying times in the afternoon. The list of incidents includes fires at a library, a McDonald’s branch, a Decathlon store, a Vue cinema, and the Grote Sint-Laurenskerk church. The final incident occurred at the De Mare mall on Europaboulevard at 7:15 p.m.

The authorities are investigating whether the girls were also involved in other smaller-scale arsons that were reported in the city on Friday. The police are seeking to establish a timeline and determine the motives behind the fires.

Community leaders and local residents have expressed concern over the incidents, with many questioning the safety of the area. The community is worried and we are doing everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice, a local official said.

The NL Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.