A series of deliberate fires damaged three churches in Ede within five days, leading to increased security and an arrest.
Police in Ede investigated three arson attacks that targeted Christian churches within one week and arrested a 27‑year‑old local man on suspicion of involvement.
The first fire occurred at the evangelical congregation De Schuilplaats, where an intruder climbed over a fence, broke windows and set a fire in the meeting room. Two days later, the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Beukenlaan sustained damage after a stained‑glass window was smashed and a Molotov cocktail thrown inside, causing a small fire. The third incident involved the burning of the historic entrance door of the Oude Kerk on Grotestraat, where smoke entered the building and forced a service to relocate.
Police confirmed that the suspect was in custody for questioning, with the motive still unknown. The municipality advised churches to increase surveillance.