Hit-and-run driver targets Dutch politician

Former Dutch Foreign Minister Jozias van Aartsen was deliberately run down by a motorist today, but escaped injury.

The leader of the free market Liberal Party was hit intentionally by a woman driver as he was having his photograph taking near parliament in The Hague, said his deputy, Bibi de Vries.

“We don’t know if the driver was simply a nut, or if this was planned,” De Vries said. She was unaware of any recent threats to Van Aartsen’s life.

“Van Aartsen got off with a scare and is giving a statement,” said police spokeswoman Henriette de Wilde. It was unclear how fast the car was driving, but Van Aartsen reportedly fell onto the car bonnet when he was hit.

“The car was halted by people who saw the incident, but the driver ran away. We are searching for her,” De Wilde said.