A 52-year-old man from the village of Leek in Groningen province died after being beaten up by youngsters he had told off for throwing fireworks, Dutch media have reported. 

The man was walking his dog at around 2.30 am on January 1 when he came across the gang, who threw fireworks at the animal. When he responded, the group attacked him and although he was able to get home, he died shortly afterward. 

Police have not yet confirmed the story and said an investigation into what happened is still ongoing. An 18-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the incident and other arrests have not been ruled out. 

The incident took place on the Windsingel, a street with large new detached houses. “Nothing ever happens here apart from at New Year,” a neighbour of the victim told the Telegraaf.