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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)
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
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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
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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
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1.28pm GMT
13:28
The social media response to the Brussels attacks has many echoes of the reaction to the Paris attacks in November and the raid on the Charlie Hebdo magazine, writes Elena Cresci.
One of the most widely shared comes from Le Monde cartoonist Plantu:
#Bruxelles L'hommage de Plantu https://t.co/sBBY9mGViE pic.twitter.com/WNoXNAwCUT
Others have shared pictures of a crying Tintin:
#Bruxelles(dessin de Mitch) pic.twitter.com/sv3LvKM0k2
Illustrators have also taken inspiration from Mannekin Pis, the landmark sculpture in Brussels of a boy urinating into a fountain.
#Life & #Art must go on ... F*** #Terrorism ! #Art #JeSuisBruxelles #Zaventem #MannekenPis #NoAK47 #NoWar pic.twitter.com/IuC40efj4v
Terror can't kill Belgian sense of humor. Pis and love Brussels. via @esperanzah pic.twitter.com/oJTLfKsAQ0
Or this image of fries giving the middle finger:
pic.twitter.com/JlYNngIFxq
There have also been cartoons criticising the difference between the reactions to attacks elsewhere in the world and in Europe. Ali Dilem, a cartoonist for TV5Monde and Algerian newspaper Liberté tweeted the following:
#Bruxelles #attentats @TV5MONDE pic.twitter.com/LACoTanWhB
Commemorative hashtags used so far include #JeSuis
Updated
at 1.34pm GMT
1.23pm GMT1.23pm GMT
13:2313:23
Witnesses describe explosions inside the terminal building at Brussels airport in this video.Witnesses describe explosions inside the terminal building at Brussels airport in this video.
1.21pm GMT1.21pm GMT
13:2113:21
Spencer AckermanSpencer Ackerman
A US official said there are no current indications of a terror threat to the United States in the wake of Brussels attacks, writes Spencer Ackerman. A US official has said there are no current indications of a terror threat to the United States following the Brussels attacks, writes Spencer Ackerman.
The US department of homeland security (DHS), tasked with protecting the US from a domestic attack, encouraged Americans to “report any suspicious activity in their communities to the appropriate law enforcement authorities” following the attack. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), tasked with protecting the US from a domestic attack, encouraged Americans to “report any suspicious activity in their communities to the appropriate law enforcement authorities” following the attack.
DHS press secretary Marsha Catron urged public vigilance and warned the department would “not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people”. DHS press secretary Marsha Catron urged public vigilance and warned that the department would “not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people”.
A White House official said President Barack Obama, currently visiting Cuba, was “apprised” of the Brussels attack and that administration officials would “continue to be in close contact with their Belgian counterparts.” A White House official said President Barack Obama, currently visiting Cuba, was “apprised” of the Brussels attack and that administration officials would “continue to be in close contact with their Belgian counterparts”.
Updated
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1.18pm GMT1.18pm GMT
13:1813:18
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has added his voice to those condemning the attacks. He said:Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has added his voice to those condemning the attacks. He said:
Today, our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Brussels.Today, our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Brussels.
“We stand in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks, their friends and families, and the men and women of the emergency services.“We stand in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks, their friends and families, and the men and women of the emergency services.
“We must defend our security and values in the face of such terrorist outrages, and refuse to be drawn into a cycle of violence and hatred.“We must defend our security and values in the face of such terrorist outrages, and refuse to be drawn into a cycle of violence and hatred.
“We take pride in our societies of diverse faiths, races and creeds and will not allow those who seek to divide us to succeed.”“We take pride in our societies of diverse faiths, races and creeds and will not allow those who seek to divide us to succeed.”
World leaders from across the world continue to express horror at the attacks.World leaders from across the world continue to express horror at the attacks.
I strongly condemn today's deplorable terrorist attacks in Brussels. My thoughts are with the victims as we stand with Belgium & the EU.I strongly condemn today's deplorable terrorist attacks in Brussels. My thoughts are with the victims as we stand with Belgium & the EU.
Prime Minister @Ahmet_Davutoglu condemns #Brussels terror attacks. https://t.co/Vh58Ie9y6g pic.twitter.com/6qV8Q1ktH8Prime Minister @Ahmet_Davutoglu condemns #Brussels terror attacks. https://t.co/Vh58Ie9y6g pic.twitter.com/6qV8Q1ktH8
PM António Costa assina Livro de Condolências no Consulado Belga na Madeira pelos atentados em Bruxelas . pic.twitter.com/avjLGY9bLoPM António Costa assina Livro de Condolências no Consulado Belga na Madeira pelos atentados em Bruxelas . pic.twitter.com/avjLGY9bLo
#PID Pakistan condemns Brussels terrorist attacks https://t.co/gjibhrWsZP#PID Pakistan condemns Brussels terrorist attacks https://t.co/gjibhrWsZP
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.24pm GMTat 1.24pm GMT
1.17pm GMT1.17pm GMT
13:1713:17
Flags are being flown at half-mast on UK government buildings in solidarity with Belgium, and the Belgian flag is being raised over Downing Street.Flags are being flown at half-mast on UK government buildings in solidarity with Belgium, and the Belgian flag is being raised over Downing Street.
After the Cobra emergency meeting chaired by the prime minister, David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said security has been increased in the UK at airports, Dover, Calais, London St Pancras International and the east coast ports. It has also been increased at key London transport interchanges and on the tube system.After the Cobra emergency meeting chaired by the prime minister, David Cameron’s official spokeswoman said security has been increased in the UK at airports, Dover, Calais, London St Pancras International and the east coast ports. It has also been increased at key London transport interchanges and on the tube system.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.22pm GMTat 1.22pm GMT
1.12pm GMT1.12pm GMT
13:1213:12
Matthew HolmesMatthew Holmes
Thomas Bignal, a Briton living in Brussels, sent this video to the Guardian after being evacuated from a metro train just outside Maelbeek station, which is 400m from his office.Thomas Bignal, a Briton living in Brussels, sent this video to the Guardian after being evacuated from a metro train just outside Maelbeek station, which is 400m from his office.
The scene inside Brussels metro as passengers walked along the tracks following the explosion at Maelbeck stationhttps://t.co/X8AYzXGaLXThe scene inside Brussels metro as passengers walked along the tracks following the explosion at Maelbeck stationhttps://t.co/X8AYzXGaLX
He said:He said:
“People stayed reasonably calm but there were a few very scared people, calling family and friends. After a minute or two, there was lots of smoke and a plasticy smell and it became increasingly warm and difficult to breathe.“People stayed reasonably calm but there were a few very scared people, calling family and friends. After a minute or two, there was lots of smoke and a plasticy smell and it became increasingly warm and difficult to breathe.
“The STIB driver came out after a minute and told everyone to wait, that there was a bomb and that we would go out through the back of the train. It then took maybe about 15 mins for everyone to get out. We then walked back through the tracks to Arts Loi, two policemen came to help a man with a walking stick and the STIB driver was really excellent.”“The STIB driver came out after a minute and told everyone to wait, that there was a bomb and that we would go out through the back of the train. It then took maybe about 15 mins for everyone to get out. We then walked back through the tracks to Arts Loi, two policemen came to help a man with a walking stick and the STIB driver was really excellent.”
“On the surface, there was not any support, everyone just went their own way. The police had blocked the roads – they also told us they didn’t know much more than us and it was all a bit surreal.”“On the surface, there was not any support, everyone just went their own way. The police had blocked the roads – they also told us they didn’t know much more than us and it was all a bit surreal.”
If you’re in Brussels you can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button in the live blog.If you’re in Brussels you can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button in the live blog.
You can also email, text, tweet, fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.You can also email, text, tweet, fill in our form or contact us on WhatsApp on +447867825056.
Please think about your security first when recording and sharing your content.Please think about your security first when recording and sharing your content.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.15pm GMTat 1.15pm GMT
1.08pm GMT1.08pm GMT
13:0813:08
The confirmed death toll from both attacks now stands at 34.The confirmed death toll from both attacks now stands at 34.
Maggie de Block, the Belgian health minister, said 14 people died and 81 were injured in the airport explosions.Maggie de Block, the Belgian health minister, said 14 people died and 81 were injured in the airport explosions.
The Belgian metro authority, STIB-MIVB, and emergency services said 20 people were killed in the Maelbeek metro blast. STIB-MIVB said a further 55 people were injured, including 10 critically.The Belgian metro authority, STIB-MIVB, and emergency services said 20 people were killed in the Maelbeek metro blast. STIB-MIVB said a further 55 people were injured, including 10 critically.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.13pm GMTat 1.13pm GMT
1.05pm GMT1.05pm GMT
13:0513:05
An unexploded suicide vest, thought to belong to a third terrorist at Brussels airport, was discovered at the facility, according to an unconfirmed report by the private broadcaster VTM.An unexploded suicide vest, thought to belong to a third terrorist at Brussels airport, was discovered at the facility, according to an unconfirmed report by the private broadcaster VTM.
It was blown up in a controlled explosion by a bomb squad.It was blown up in a controlled explosion by a bomb squad.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.12pm GMTat 1.12pm GMT
12.59pm GMT12.59pm GMT
12:5912:59
Police have conducted a controlled explosion at the Vrije University in central Brussels.Police have conducted a controlled explosion at the Vrije University in central Brussels.
UPDATE: The explosion you just heard was a controlled initiated explosion by the bomb squad.UPDATE: The explosion you just heard was a controlled initiated explosion by the bomb squad.
12.57pm GMT12.57pm GMT
12:5712:57
One British national injuredOne British national injured
One British national is known to have been injured in the bomb attack on the airport in Brussels, Downing Street said.One British national is known to have been injured in the bomb attack on the airport in Brussels, Downing Street said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.58pm GMTat 12.58pm GMT
12.52pm GMT
12:52
Oliver Milne writes
Flemish news channel VTM is reporting that the Belgian justice department is warning journalists, from Belgium and abroad, not to report on ongoing police investigations which could put the lives of the public or police officers at risk.
French language newspaper Le Soir pledged that it would not report on active police operations.
.@lesoir décide de ne PLUS diffuser d'informations sur les perquisitions en cours https://t.co/Q6YSUN8EIv pic.twitter.com/s8asX1ZziY
Updated
at 12.58pm GMT
12.50pm GMT
12:50
Reports saying that the Royal Palace in Brussels was evacuated after the attacks were incorrect, the Belgian monarchy Twitter account says.
Contrairement à certaines affirmations, le Palais Royal n'a pas été évacué.
Updated
at 12.57pm GMT
12.50pm GMT
12:50
Arthur Neslen
The Guardian’s Arthur Neslen has been speaking to health officials at a hospital where some of the injured are being treated.
I asked Renaud Mazy, the hospital CEO if they wanted soldiers diverted here to help.
He said: “I’m not requesting help – we can organise ourselves and take the right decisions – but due to the fact that it’s a hospital with lots of people in it, it’s maybe better for the authorities to send specific protection here.”
Officials set up a ‘Mash’ operation – it’s actually called Mash – where 11 people are being treated so far.
They’re expecting more and I get the sense they’re worried about more attacks. The hospital is also in a kind of lockdown. There are body searches on way in.
Injured man #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/zrgvSmEHAO
Updated
at 12.56pm GMT
12.43pm GMT
12:43
Elena Cresci
People in Belgium are tweeting #ikwillhelpen, “I want to help”, offering rooms and shelter to people who are stranded in Brussels because of the attacks.
Who needs a ride home? I’ll be leaving, hopefully, around 15u at Havenlaan Brussels towards Antwerp city. #ikwilhelpen #brusselslockdown
Belgians are also using #PorteOuvert and #OpenHouse:
Find shelter. Organize. Help with these Hashtags in #Brüssel: #IkWilHelpen #openhouse #porteouverte 🙏😢🙏
The hashtag is similar to #PorteOuvert, which was used by Parisians in the wake of November’s attacks, to offer aid to those affected with nowhere to stay.
Updated
at 12.48pm GMT
12.42pm GMT
12:42
Report: 34 dead
The death toll from both the attacks has increased to 34, according to an unconfirmed report by the Belgium broadcaster VRT.
It said 20 died in the metro attack and 14 were killed at the airport.
BREAKING: Public broadcaster VRT raises Brussels death toll to 34, 20 on Metro, 14 at a airport - @DailyStarLebhttps://t.co/ELYypeIBOF
Updated
at 12.48pm GMT
12.35pm GMT
12:35
Amanda Holpuch
In phone calls to US television shows, Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump said Brussels was a once beautiful place that had become a “disaster city” and an “armed camp” before today’s attacks, writes Amanda Holpuch.
He said such changes to the city, as in Paris, showed why the US should stop letting immigrants into the country.
Trump told Fox & Friends that if he were president, “I would close up our borders to people until we figure out what’s going on.”
Pressed by NBC’s Today Show, 15 minutes later, to explain who he would prevent from entering the country, Trump said he would exclude people from Syria and people who do not have “perfect documentation”.
He did not say that he would prevent Muslims from entering the country, as he has done repeatedly in the past, but he did suggest that Muslims were responsible for terrorist attacks if they did not report neighbours’ suspicious behaviour to authorities.
If Trump were president today, he said he would give US citizens a “pep talk”.
The Today presenters asked Trump what he would do if, as in the case in Belgium, he had Salah Abdeslam, a suspect in last year’s Paris attacks, in custody.
“If they could expand the laws, I would do a lot more than waterboarding,” Trump said. “You have to get the information from people.”
Updated
at 12.51pm GMT
12.35pm GMT
12:35
Cameron says 'we absolutely stand' with Belgium
David Cameron says “we absolutely stand” with the Belgian people and that he has spoken to the Belgian prime minister, offering condolences and security support. He says the attacks could just as well have happened in Germany or the UK.
We face a very real terrorist threat right across the different countries of Europe and we have to meet that with everything we have.
The UK prime minister said it was too early to say whether any British people were caught up in the attacks. All necessary measures had been taken including increasing security at ports and airports, he said. The threat level to the UK, currently at its second highest level, would not be increased.
He said Ukip’s comments that the attack showed the Schengen area was a threat to UK security were “not appropriate”.
Updated
at 12.49pm GMT
12.17pm GMT
12:17
American Airlines has said the explosions at Brussels airport did not occur near its check-in desk, as some reports suggested.
#BREAKING @AmericanAir statement on #Brussels, also says explosion did NOT happen at their ticket counter #WatchWBTV pic.twitter.com/pscjVs8ZMX
Updated
at 12.17pm GMT
12.08pm GMT
12:08
The mayor of London has suggested there might be one British “casualty” but it was unclear whether he was referring to someone possibly killed or injured.
.@BorisJohnson reveals there may be one British casualty in Brussels - but "details are very sketchy at the moment' pic.twitter.com/rDqlFnFYZA
The BBC’s Norman Smith reports that a British person is reported to be injured.
Reports of one British person "injured" in #Brussels attack
Updated
at 12.46pm GMT
12.05pm GMT
12:05
CNN is reporting that the Belgian royal family has been evacuated.
Belgian royal family now evacuated. Officials are also asking public for blood donations - CNN #brusselsattack #Brussels #brusselsattack