A local businesswoman is in a serious condition in hospital after she was hit over the head by police officer during the Geldermalsen riots on Wednesday evening, the Telegraaf reported.

Saskia van Kessel, who is an estate agent, was on her way home when she was beaten and will be in hospital for up to three weeks, her lawyer told the paper.

Van Kessel was at the town hall meeting as former chairwoman of the local entrepreneurs’ association. She opposes the decision to locate a refugee centre for 1,500 people on the edge of the town and is involved in managing property on the industrial estate where it will be situated.

Van Kessel, who is 39, was involved in the peaceful protest her lawyer and has condemned the riots, lawyer Esther Vroegh told the Telegraaf.

She said Van Kessel was almost at her house when a van of riot police arrived and ordered everyone to leave the vicinity. She told them she was almost home and showed her keys as proof. However, the police officer ignored her comments and hit her on the head, the lawyer said in a statement.

Vroegh has filed a formal complaint about the police action.