Intoxicated men set fire and vandalize chapel at Sint-Luciakerk, Mierlo-Hout

On Monday afternoon, 12 October 2026, around 2:50 p.m., two intoxicated men caused a disturbance in the chapel of the Sint-Luciakerk in Mierlo-Hout, Helmond, set fire, and damaged property. Church visitors alerted staff, who brought the pastor; he locked the chapel door and called police. The suspects broke a window to escape, then harassed people on the street before officers arrested them. Police said the quick response limited damage in the chapel and that there was no clear motive yet. Both men are suspected of arson, vandalism, and theft.

Arson and vandalism inside a church chapel. Coordinates are the Nominatim place_of_worship pin for Sint-Luciakerk, Mierlo-Hout. Also reported by Omroep Brabant and ED.nl. Netherlands (NLD) is a new country on the desk.