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Brussels explosions: multiple casualties after airport and metro attacks – live Brussels explosions: multiple casualties after airport and metro attacks – live
(35 minutes later)
3.08pm GMT
15:08
Rita Katz, director of the Site intelligence group, predicts that Islamic State militants will claim responsibility for the attack based on messages of support expressed accounts linked to the group.
1) Pro-#ISIS accts/channels campaigning for #Brusselsattack: passing hashtags, images, justifications, & threats pic.twitter.com/uMAsrJ2B4E
2) Pro-#ISIS act: "Today the State of the Caliphate [#ISIS]...is taking revenge #Brussels #Belgium." [NO official claim though]
3) These reactions suggest that #ISIS likely to claim responsibility for #Brusselsattack
3.01pm GMT
15:01
US official: 'suitcase bomb at airport'
A US official says security officials believe at least one suitcase bomb was detonated at Brussels Airport, AP reports.
The unnamed official confirmed a statement by a Brussels official that there is also concrete evidence of one suicide bombing at the airport Tuesday as well.
The official said the explosives seen in Brussels appeared sophisticated. Investigators will examine them to see if they bear the same characteristics as those used in Paris last year.
2.52pm GMT
14:52
Belgium’s Interior Minister Jan Jambon has announced three days of national mourning, writes Oliver Milne.
Jambon is expected to join Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel at Zaventem airport in the next few hours, where they will tour the scene of this morning’s atrocities.
2.49pm GMT
14:49
Rachel Obordo
People in the surrounding area near Maelbeek metro station are still on lockdown, writes Rachel Obordo. Georgia Knapp who works in the European Commission building arrived at Schuman, the next metro stop, just before the explosion.
“I feel very lucky but everyone is scared,” she said on WhatsApp. “We were a lot more terrified this morning and we could see smoke coming from the roof of Maalbeek station, people are just kind of in shock here. It’s very surreal. We are waiting for more information from our internal security about when we can leave. We don’t actually have a lot of information.”
Brendon Pinch is also in the European Quarter. He walked to work this morning around the time the blasts were heard and is at work where they’ve been told to stay inside.
He said: “There were many people on the streets on their phones and looking dazed. There are constant sirens at the moment. It reminds me very much of when I worked in the City during 7/7. The confusion and upset is palpable. I’m strangely emotional, yet also quite detached. Terrorism does have quite the effect.”
2.41pm GMT
14:41
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has chaired a meeting of the Scotland’s resilience committee in the wake of the attacks.
First Minister @NicolaSturgeon chaired a @scotgov resilience meeting following todays terror attacks in #Brussels https://t.co/399qPJmiFF
Just spoken to the Belgian Ambassador to convey Scotland's sympathy, support and solidarity for the people of Belgium. #Brussels
2.37pm GMT
14:37
Europe’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, broke down in tears during a speech in Brussels.
She said it was a “a very sad day for Europe”.
2.33pm GMT2.33pm GMT
14:3314:33
Rudi Vervoort, minister-president of the Brussels-Capital region has said he feels “a horror that cannot be named” but praised the response of the Belgian people:Rudi Vervoort, minister-president of the Brussels-Capital region has said he feels “a horror that cannot be named” but praised the response of the Belgian people:
I would like to express my support to the victims of the attacks of this morning, at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem and in the metro station Maelbeek. My thoughts are also directed to their families and closest.I would like to express my support to the victims of the attacks of this morning, at the Brussels Airport in Zaventem and in the metro station Maelbeek. My thoughts are also directed to their families and closest.
This attack, without any precedent in Belgium, targeted strong symbols of its capital: its airport and its public transportation network. As a Brussels citizen, I feel an horror that cannot be named.This attack, without any precedent in Belgium, targeted strong symbols of its capital: its airport and its public transportation network. As a Brussels citizen, I feel an horror that cannot be named.
My greatest recognition goes to all members of the security and emergency force that are heavily mobilised to assist the victims.My greatest recognition goes to all members of the security and emergency force that are heavily mobilised to assist the victims.
I want to address our determination. We will let no one cowardly attack the values of Democracy. Barbarism will be fought continuously. Brussels will overcome obscurantism.I want to address our determination. We will let no one cowardly attack the values of Democracy. Barbarism will be fought continuously. Brussels will overcome obscurantism.
Today, Brussels shows its true nature: an exemplar solidarity through massive blood donations, the gratuity of taxis and the numerous citizen that are opening their homes to host strangers in need on social networks.Today, Brussels shows its true nature: an exemplar solidarity through massive blood donations, the gratuity of taxis and the numerous citizen that are opening their homes to host strangers in need on social networks.
He said that public transportation had been shut down but the authorities would do everything in their power to reopen the surface network today. He urged parents not to turn up at schools before the end of the day, saying children would be kept inside safely.He said that public transportation had been shut down but the authorities would do everything in their power to reopen the surface network today. He urged parents not to turn up at schools before the end of the day, saying children would be kept inside safely.
I call on the Brussels population to remain calm and to avoid all unnecessary movements.I call on the Brussels population to remain calm and to avoid all unnecessary movements.
2.31pm GMT2.31pm GMT
14:3114:31
Here’s more from Obama.Here’s more from Obama.
"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium" —@POTUS on the attacks in #Brussels https://t.co/TWxnIDfDqL"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium" —@POTUS on the attacks in #Brussels https://t.co/TWxnIDfDqL
2.23pm GMT2.23pm GMT
14:2314:23
Obama offers support against 'scourge of terrorism'Obama offers support against 'scourge of terrorism'
Barack Obama has offered Belgium his support against the “scourge of terrorism”. He also offered his condolences in a phone call to Belgium’s prime minister, Charles Michel.Barack Obama has offered Belgium his support against the “scourge of terrorism”. He also offered his condolences in a phone call to Belgium’s prime minister, Charles Michel.
A read out of the call issued by the White House said:A read out of the call issued by the White House said:
The President reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United States for Belgium, and offered any assistance necessary in investigating these attacks and bringing those responsible to justice. The President reiterated that the United States stands together with the people of Belgium, as well as Nato and the European Union, and once again pledged the full cooperation and support of the United States in our shared commitment to defeat the scourge of terrorism.The President reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United States for Belgium, and offered any assistance necessary in investigating these attacks and bringing those responsible to justice. The President reiterated that the United States stands together with the people of Belgium, as well as Nato and the European Union, and once again pledged the full cooperation and support of the United States in our shared commitment to defeat the scourge of terrorism.
2.19pm GMT2.19pm GMT
14:1914:19
Starbucks has said that one of the explosions appears to have occurred outside a coffee shop in Brussels airport, injuring an employee. It said in a statement:Starbucks has said that one of the explosions appears to have occurred outside a coffee shop in Brussels airport, injuring an employee. It said in a statement:
We are deeply saddened by the senseless acts that have taken place in Brussels today.We are deeply saddened by the senseless acts that have taken place in Brussels today.
Amidst reports of attacks targeting Brussels airport and at a metro station, initial indications are that an explosion took place outside of a store within the airport. While one partner (employee) was injured we can confirm that all our partners have been accounted for and are safe. This store and all other Starbucks stores in Brussels will remain closed until further notice.Amidst reports of attacks targeting Brussels airport and at a metro station, initial indications are that an explosion took place outside of a store within the airport. While one partner (employee) was injured we can confirm that all our partners have been accounted for and are safe. This store and all other Starbucks stores in Brussels will remain closed until further notice.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.23pm GMTat 2.23pm GMT
2.17pm GMT2.17pm GMT
14:1714:17
The headquarters of the European commission will be evacuated by Belgian police at 4pm local time, according to VTM news.The headquarters of the European commission will be evacuated by Belgian police at 4pm local time, according to VTM news.
The Berlaymont building, where flags were lowered to half-mast earlier today, will be emptied so that police can perform a full security sweep of the building, it said.The Berlaymont building, where flags were lowered to half-mast earlier today, will be emptied so that police can perform a full security sweep of the building, it said.
Berlaymontgebouw, waar de Europese Commissie gehuisvest is, wordt om 15.00 uur ontruimd. https://t.co/wCXumq4CB0Berlaymontgebouw, waar de Europese Commissie gehuisvest is, wordt om 15.00 uur ontruimd. https://t.co/wCXumq4CB0
Labour MEP Richard Corbett is currently locked in at the nearby European parliament building.Labour MEP Richard Corbett is currently locked in at the nearby European parliament building.
#Brussels Currently "locked in" EuropeanParliament building. Pain&sadness mixed with apprehension.Streets in much of town empty.No transport#Brussels Currently "locked in" EuropeanParliament building. Pain&sadness mixed with apprehension.Streets in much of town empty.No transport
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.22pm GMTat 2.22pm GMT
2.12pm GMT
14:12
Responding to the attacks, Pope Francis has condemned “blind violence which causes so much suffering”.
In a telegram to the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, the pope “expresses his deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, and all those who contribute to relief efforts, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in this ordeal. The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering and, imploring from God the gift of peace, he entrusts on the bereaved families and the Belgians the benefit of divine blessings.”
There has also been reaction from different faith groups in the UK.
Dr Shuja Shafi, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said:
We are shocked to hear about the terror attacks in Brussels, coming as they did only a few days after the horrific atrocities in Istanbul. I hope the killers are brought to justice and face the full force of the law.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and communities affected.
As we come to terms with yet another attack on European soil, we must redouble our efforts to work together to defeat terrorism wherever it comes from. These mass murderers want to divide our society and pit people against each other. We must deny them this goal at every conceivable opportunity.
The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said:
In the great holy week of Christian prayer and mercy, the Brussels attacks shock all those who seek peace and justice through the terrible cruelty and utter separation from all that is of God. Once again we see the contrast between the vain efforts to terrify through indiscriminate murder, and the call of God to be those who show mercy, who seek peace and pursue it. Let us at every service this week pray for those caught up in the traumatic events at the airport and in the city of Brussels.
Updated
at 2.21pm GMT
2.12pm GMT
14:12
A square outside the Bourse in Brussels has become transformed into a giant blackboard for people to chalk messages of defiance and solidarity.
On Bourse square in #Brussels, people writing chalk messages of peace and resilience pic.twitter.com/fiMgBhDHaR
Superbe hommage à la Bourse à #Bruxelles #brusselattack pic.twitter.com/ikWaf4sd5K
Updated
at 2.22pm GMT
2.08pm GMT
14:08
And in case you didn’t believe us earlier, here’s video of Trump’s comments.
2.05pm GMT
14:05
Here’s video of part of Cameron’s statement on the attacks.
2.02pm GMT
14:02
Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner to be the Democratic presidential candidate, said the attacks “strengthen our resolve to stand together to fight terrorism”.
Hillary Clinton Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Brussels, Belgium pic.twitter.com/OIpMjp80Iq
1.53pm GMT
13:53
The French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said the attacks reinforced the need for “very high security” at this summer’s European football championship in France, AP reports.
Cazeneuve said that everything will be put in place during the tournament from 10 June-10 July to guarantee “collective security”.
In the wake of the Paris attacks that left 130 people dead in November, tournament organisers had already strengthened security measures and made changes to fan zones. Cazeneuve said the state would contribute up to €2m for video surveillance in the designated areas for the public.
Cazeneuve said Euro 2016 should bring “sportsmanship, festivities and security for teams, accompanying staff and spectators”.
Updated
at 1.59pm GMT
1.49pm GMT
13:49
Parents in Belgium have been told that there is no reason to panic and to pick up their children from school at the normal time, writes Oliver Milne.
Speaking to VTM News, the Flemish education minister, Hilde Crevits, said: “Parents’ concerns are understandable, but they should stay where they are. Your children are secure and safe in school.”
Crevits also told viewers that all after-school clubs and school trips had been cancelled and that extra security measures had been put in place in all schools in Brussels and Flanders.
Extra waakzaamheid in alle scholen in Vlaanderen en Brussel https://t.co/Iixg8hH01W
Updated
at 1.57pm GMT
1.44pm GMT
13:44
As yet there has been no claim of responsibility, but social media accounts linked to Islamic State militants have praised the attacks, according to jihadi watcher Michael Horowitz, a security analyst at the Levantine Group.
Pro-#ISIS accounts hinting that the group was behind the #Brussels attack (this is NOT a claim) pic.twitter.com/3pa8ctMoTi
Updated
at 1.49pm GMT
1.36pm GMT
13:36
The Belgian Taxi Drivers Union has urged its members to offer free rides to those stranded after the attacks, writes Oliver Milne.
The union tweeted: “Friends offer your services to your fellow citizens and help evacute people safely. Thank you.”
Merci à tous pour votre solidarité et vos compteurs éteints encore besoin de #taxis Stationstraat à Zaventem village pic.twitter.com/pbCcAxvbRc
1.31pm GMT
13:31
More than a hundred people were injured and at least 20 people were killed at the Maelbeek metro station, writes Oliver Milne.
Speaking at a press conference, the mayor of Brussels, Yvan Mayeur, said that at least 20 people died in the explosion at the metro station, but that it is “too early to say exactly what the number of victims will be”.
He confirmed that 106 people had been injured in the metro station blast.
Burgemeester Brussel: "Balans aanslagen zal erg zwaar zijn, maar het is te vroeg voor exacte cijfers." https://t.co/wCXumq4CB0
Updated
at 1.36pm GMT