Several dozen police officers accompanied by police cars and vans took part in a protest march in Rotterdam on Sunday, calling on the government to come up with a new pay and conditions offer.

The march was organised by the four police unions and coincided with the start of an anti-coronavirus measure demonstration in the port city.

Gerrit van de Kamp, chairman of the ACP police union, said the agreements had been made about having two demonstrations at the same time. ‘It is crucial that the safety of our members is guaranteed,’ he said.

The police demonstration included members of the riot squad, who have had to deal with the coronavirus demonstrations, Van de Kamp said.

The police unions, who held talks with justice ministry officials on Friday, are calling on the government to come up with new proposals on pay, safety and working conditions.

The police said later around 5,000 people had gathered for the start of the coronavirus protest.