There were riots and riots at carnival parades and festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia on Saturday. The police went to a carnival party in Menden in Sauerland on Saturday evening with a large contingent because too many people crowded into the marquee at the same time. According to the police, three people had to be treated for circulatory problems.

A woman was also sexually assaulted in the queue. The suspect received a eviction. The alleged attack happened when about 1,000 people were standing in front of the tent waiting to be admitted. At the time, however, the tent was already fully booked with around 1,000 guests, said a police spokesman.

Another sexual assault is said to have occurred later. A 32-year-old man is said to have "groped" a group of four women. According to the police, he was also sent off. In the marquee there were fisticuffs between two women and later a fight between three men. During the operation, unknown perpetrators damaged two patrol cars.

At least 13 people were taken into police custody during two carnival parades in the Viersen district on Saturday. The police said in the evening that troublemakers were consistently taken out of circulation at the events in Bracht and Oedt. Even before the start, a 37-year-old rioted, insulted emergency services and resisted. According to their own statements, the police issued 30 places. Reports were filed for bodily harm and property damage. In Bracht, an unknown person threw a bottle at a fire engine and spat at the emergency services.

In Leichlingen in the Rhineland, the police went into fights several times on Saturday evening. According to the police, a 20-year-old was attacked by three people during a fight at an event in a festival hall. A 47-year-old man was taken into police custody. He was so drunk that it was feared that he would commit further crimes. Later in the evening, there were several altercations between guests and with security personnel. Another 36-year-old was taken into police custody.

In the carnival strongholds of Düsseldorf and Cologne, the police also had a lot to do. But in Düsseldorf's old town it was no more than on other weekends, said a spokeswoman. "There was a lot to do, but nothing outstanding". The Cologne police made a similar statement. The rain that started in the evening also led to a "migration" of carnival participants, it said there.

The Düsseldorf fire brigade spoke in a statement of more than 250 operations by the fire brigade and rescue service by the evening. 70 patients were treated by paramedics, 12 of whom were hospitalized. "In total, the emergency services took care of three young people by the evening due to too much alcohol consumption," it said.

Notification 2. Police notification from Sunday