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Brussels explosions: Isis claims airport and metro attacks – live updates Brussels explosions: Isis claims airport and metro attacks – live updates
(35 minutes later)
4.14pm GMT
16:14
Third bomb at airport was destroyed
A third bomb found at the airport has been destroyed by security services, the provincial governor said, Reuters reports.
4.05pm GMT
16:05
Brussels airport chief executive Arnaud Feist has confirmed the airport will remain closed on Wednesday, describing today as a black day. He said:
On behalf of the entire airport community, I would like to extend our warmest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of these cowardly and heinous acts. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency and rescue services, passengers and staff for their compassion, solidarity and help. This is without doubt the blackest day in the history of Brussels airport.
Updated
at 4.15pm GMT
3.51pm GMT
15:51
Belgium’s Royal Palace has confirmed that King Philippe will address the nation in a live broadcast on all television channels at 7pm (1800 GMT), writes Oliver Milne.
Ce soir à 19 h sur les chaînes nationales : message à la population suite aux attentats de ce matin à Bruxelles.
Updated
at 3.59pm GMT
3.44pm GMT3.44pm GMT
15:4415:44
Bernie Sanders, currently fighting for the Democratic nomination to contest the presidential election said “the international community must come together to fight Isis”. Bernie Sanders, currently fighting for the Democratic nomination to contest the presidential election, said “the international community must come together to fight Isis”.
Full Sanders statement on attacks in Belgium: pic.twitter.com/61Pn71tCAdFull Sanders statement on attacks in Belgium: pic.twitter.com/61Pn71tCAd
Updated
at 3.58pm GMT
3.35pm GMT3.35pm GMT
15:3515:35
This video shows the aftermath of the bombing at Zaventem airport:This video shows the aftermath of the bombing at Zaventem airport:
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.38pm GMTat 3.38pm GMT
3.30pm GMT3.30pm GMT
15:3015:30
Belgian police release photo of man they wish to questionBelgian police release photo of man they wish to question
Oliver Milne writes:Oliver Milne writes:
Belgian police are appealing for help in identifying a potential suspect, who could have information about the attack on Zaventem airport this morning.Belgian police are appealing for help in identifying a potential suspect, who could have information about the attack on Zaventem airport this morning.
The unknown man, seen below dressed in white, is thought to be linked to this morning’s bombing which left at least 14 people dead.The unknown man, seen below dressed in white, is thought to be linked to this morning’s bombing which left at least 14 people dead.
The identity of the two other men is unknown.The identity of the two other men is unknown.
The photograph was circulating on social media earlier this afternoon before Belgium’s federal prosecutor confirmed that the man in white was the subject of police inquiries.The photograph was circulating on social media earlier this afternoon before Belgium’s federal prosecutor confirmed that the man in white was the subject of police inquiries.
Dit zijn verdachten van aanslag in Zaventem. https://t.co/sXNekXpLDQ pic.twitter.com/RX8lUQADOrDit zijn verdachten van aanslag in Zaventem. https://t.co/sXNekXpLDQ pic.twitter.com/RX8lUQADOr
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.38pm GMTat 3.38pm GMT
3.28pm GMT3.28pm GMT
15:2815:28
Islamic State claims responsibilityIslamic State claims responsibility
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the two bomb attacks in Brussels, a news agency affiliated with the group said.Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the two bomb attacks in Brussels, a news agency affiliated with the group said.
AMAQ agency said: Amaq agency said:
Islamic State fighters carried out a series of bombings with explosive belts and devices on Tuesday, targeting an airport and a central metro station in the centre of the Belgian capital Brussels.Islamic State fighters carried out a series of bombings with explosive belts and devices on Tuesday, targeting an airport and a central metro station in the centre of the Belgian capital Brussels.
Updated
at 3.45pm GMT
3.26pm GMT3.26pm GMT
15:2615:26
Three Mormon missionaries based in Paris have been seriously injured in the Brussels attacks. Their families have been informed.Three Mormon missionaries based in Paris have been seriously injured in the Brussels attacks. Their families have been informed.
#BREAKING @LDSchurch 3 missionaries in the #Paris, France Mission were seriously injured in the #Brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/IlkaZ8N1y5#BREAKING @LDSchurch 3 missionaries in the #Paris, France Mission were seriously injured in the #Brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/IlkaZ8N1y5
Photos from #LDS Church on the #Brusselsattack Elder Richard Norby. Elder Joseph Empey Elder Mason Wells. pic.twitter.com/Dr11GmYHEMPhotos from #LDS Church on the #Brusselsattack Elder Richard Norby. Elder Joseph Empey Elder Mason Wells. pic.twitter.com/Dr11GmYHEM
3.16pm GMT3.16pm GMT
15:1615:16
The UN official in charge of aiding Middle East refugees criticised people directing anger over the attacks at those fleeing Syria’s bloody civil war or violence elsewhere in the region.The UN official in charge of aiding Middle East refugees criticised people directing anger over the attacks at those fleeing Syria’s bloody civil war or violence elsewhere in the region.
Amin Awad, the Middle East and North Africa bureau and regional refugee coordinator for Syria, said:Amin Awad, the Middle East and North Africa bureau and regional refugee coordinator for Syria, said:
To lump everybody together and say refugees are posing a security risk, that is not true. Any sort of hostilities [toward refugees] because of the Brussels attack or Paris attack is misplaced.To lump everybody together and say refugees are posing a security risk, that is not true. Any sort of hostilities [toward refugees] because of the Brussels attack or Paris attack is misplaced.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.36pm GMTat 3.36pm GMT
3.08pm GMT3.08pm GMT
15:0815:08
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 on accounts linked to the group.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 on accounts linked to the group.
1) Pro-#ISIS accts/channels campaigning for #Brusselsattack: passing hashtags, images, justifications, & threats pic.twitter.com/uMAsrJ2B4E1) 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]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 #Brusselsattack3) These reactions suggest that #ISIS likely to claim responsibility for #Brusselsattack
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.18pm GMTat 3.18pm GMT
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 on 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.
Updated
at 3.17pm GMT
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.
Updated
at 3.17pm GMT
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.”
Updated
at 3.16pm GMT
2.41pm GMT
14:41
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has chaired a meeting of 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
Updated
at 3.35pm GMT
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 GMT
14:33
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:
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 a 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.
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 citizens 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.
I call on the Brussels population to remain calm and to avoid all unnecessary movements.
Updated
at 3.14pm GMT
2.31pm GMT
14:31
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
2.23pm GMT
14:23
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.
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.
2.19pm GMT
14:19
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:
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.
Updated
at 2.23pm GMT
2.17pm GMT
14:17
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.
Berlaymontgebouw, 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.
#Brussels Currently "locked in" EuropeanParliament building. Pain&sadness mixed with apprehension.Streets in much of town empty.No transport
Updated
at 2.22pm GMT