paroolSep 23, 2026, 11:30

Explosive found on bench between apartment buildings in Wildemanbuurt, 18-year-old Amsterdammer arrested

An 18-year-old Amsterdam resident has been arrested after an improvised explosive device was discovered on a bench in the Wildemanbuurt neighborhood of Nieuw-West. The device was neutralized by the military, and police are now investigating a potential connection to two other explosions that occurred in the area earlier this week.

Police in Amsterdam discovered an improvised explosive device on a bench between apartment buildings in the Wildemanbuurt area of Nieuw-West early Wednesday morning. An explosive ordnance disposal team successfully neutralized the device, which had been identified by police scouts around 5:45 a.m. Following the discovery, authorities arrested an 18-year-old local resident who is currently suspected of attempted arson and causing an explosion. Witnesses reported seeing a person dressed in black fleeing the scene on a scooter, and police are now actively investigating the incident.

This event occurred amidst a recent series of disturbances in the district, following two other explosions that took place in nearby streets earlier in the week. As a result, the police have increased their presence in the Nieuw-West neighborhood to ensure public safety. Authorities are currently working to determine whether the device found on the bench is linked to the previous incidents. The investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are calling for any additional witnesses to come forward with information.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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