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Brussels attacks: Belgian police hunt suspect captured on CCTV – live Brussels attacks: police hunt bombing suspect captured on CCTV – live
(35 minutes later)
2.27pm GMT
14:27
Haroon Siddique
A third victim of the attacks has been identified, writes Haroon Siddique.
The Federation of Wallonia-Brussels announced on Facebook that one of its employees, Olivier Delespesse was killed in the attack on Maelbeek metro.
“Our thoughts go out to his family,” it said. His colleague Anne Hellemans had previously posted an appeal for information regarding his whereabouts on Facebook.
She later wrote: “The news that we have received concerning Olivier Delespesse is bad... He died in the bombing of the metro yesterday.”
Disparition: Olivier DELESPESSE, passé par Maelbeek et n'est jamais arriver à son travail. #AttentatsdeBruxelles pic.twitter.com/Q4zFkeUpRN
Two other victims have been named as Belgium law student Leopold Hecht and Peruvian Adelma Tapia Ruiz.
2.23pm GMT
14:23
The king and queen of Belgium visited Zaventem airport this afternoon to pay their tributes to the emergency services who responded to yesterday’s attacks, writes Oliver Milne.
During the visit, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde expressed their gratitude to firefighters and the airport staff.
This afternoon the royal couple will visit a nearby military hospital which treated some of the first victims of yesterday’s suicide bombings.
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Zaventem airport remains closed while police continue to investigate. A Twitter account managed by the airport said it was unclear when it would reopen.
Investigation still ongoing. Until we have access to the building & can assess damage, it remains unclear when we can resume operations.
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2.06pm GMT
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The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, is giving a press conference in Brussels with the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker.
Live now: press conference by @JunckerEU & PM of France @manuelvalls. https://t.co/cAWAOVeEpe #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/2IRB2hrnpE
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Three members of staff at the Europeancommission were injured in the attacks, Politico reports.Three members of staff at the Europeancommission were injured in the attacks, Politico reports.
Commission vice-President Kristalina Georgieva confirmed that the officials were among the victims of the attacks, but did not provide details about the circumstances or the extent of their injuries. Commission vice-president Kristalina Georgieva confirmed that the officials were among the victims of the attacks, but did not provide details about the circumstances or the extent of their injuries.
“The commission’s staff is ready to contribute to the fight in Europe against what has become so frequently an enormous stress for our people,” said Georgieva, who handles human resources and administration for the EU’s executive body.“The commission’s staff is ready to contribute to the fight in Europe against what has become so frequently an enormous stress for our people,” said Georgieva, who handles human resources and administration for the EU’s executive body.
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at 1.45pm GMT at 2.25pm GMT
1.34pm GMT1.34pm GMT
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Reuters has a few more details from the press conference held by the federal prosecutor, Frederic van Leeuw. Reuters has a few more details from the press conference held by the federal prosecutor, Frederic Van Leeuw.
Two brothers carried out suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the metro on Tuesday, adding that airport bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui had left a will on a computer. Two brothers carried out suicide bombings at Brussels airport and on the metro on Tuesday, adding that airport bomber Ibrahim el-Bakraoui had left a will on a computer.
His brother Khalid blew himself up on a carriage of the Brussels metro at Maelbeek station, Van Leeuw said. Two other men captured on CCTV at the airport with Ibrahim had yet to be identified, he said. His brother Khalid blew himself up on a carriage of the Brussels metro at Maelbeek station, Leeuw said. Two other men captured on CCTV at the airport with Ibrahim had yet to be identified, he said.
The first bomb at the airport went off near desk 11 at 7.58am (6.58am GMT) and the second followed 9 seconds later near desk 2 of the departure hall, Van Leeuw said. The first bomb at the airport went off near desk 11 at 7.58am (6.58am GMT) and the second followed 9 seconds later near desk 2 of the departure hall, Leeuw said.
The prosecutor quoted Ibrahim’s will as saying: “Always on the run, not knowing what to do any more, being looked for everywhere, not being safe any longer and that if he waits around any longer he risks ending up next to the person in a cell.”The prosecutor quoted Ibrahim’s will as saying: “Always on the run, not knowing what to do any more, being looked for everywhere, not being safe any longer and that if he waits around any longer he risks ending up next to the person in a cell.”
The second airport suicide bomber has not been identified, while a third man, who left the airport before the explosions, is still being hunted, Van Leeuw said.The second airport suicide bomber has not been identified, while a third man, who left the airport before the explosions, is still being hunted, Van Leeuw said.
At a raid in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek on Tuesday night police found 15kg of explosives, 150 litres of acetone, 30 litres of oxygenated water, detonators, a suitcase filled with screws and nails as well as materials, such as plastic boxes, needed to pack up the explosives. During a raid in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek on Tuesday night, police found 15kg of explosives, 150 litres of acetone, 30 litres of oxygenated water, detonators, a suitcase filled with screws and nails as well as materials, such as plastic boxes, needed to pack the explosives.
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at 1.44pm GMT at 2.33pm GMT
1.27pm GMT1.27pm GMT
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The bells of Belgium’s oldest university rang out to the tune of John Lennon’s Imagine last night, writes Oliver Milne.The bells of Belgium’s oldest university rang out to the tune of John Lennon’s Imagine last night, writes Oliver Milne.
“Hope must survive”, tweeted the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, sharing a short video of its library bells playing the anthem for peace.“Hope must survive”, tweeted the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, sharing a short video of its library bells playing the anthem for peace.
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at 1.40pm GMTat 1.40pm GMT
1.20pm GMT1.20pm GMT
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Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Saint-Louis University in Brussels says one of its students, Leopold Hecht, 20, was a victim of the attacks, writes Haroon Siddique.Saint-Louis University in Brussels says one of its students, Leopold Hecht, 20, was a victim of the attacks, writes Haroon Siddique.
In a Facebook post, the university said the law student was “one of the unfortunate victims of the barbarous acts perpetrated on Tuesday 22 March at the Maelbeek metro station”, adding: “There are no words to describe our dismay at the news. All our thoughts are with his family and relatives.”In a Facebook post, the university said the law student was “one of the unfortunate victims of the barbarous acts perpetrated on Tuesday 22 March at the Maelbeek metro station”, adding: “There are no words to describe our dismay at the news. All our thoughts are with his family and relatives.”
Leopold Hecht, Saint-Louis University Student, Killed At Maalbeek Station ISIS Bombing https://t.co/JwZBsWiD2X pic.twitter.com/DRAezEjWExLeopold Hecht, Saint-Louis University Student, Killed At Maalbeek Station ISIS Bombing https://t.co/JwZBsWiD2X pic.twitter.com/DRAezEjWEx
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at 1.38pm GMTat 1.38pm GMT
12.38pm GMT12.38pm GMT
12:3812:38
Here’s a summary of the main points from the press conference given by the Belgian federal prosecutor, Frederic Van Leeuw, writes Oliver Milne.Here’s a summary of the main points from the press conference given by the Belgian federal prosecutor, Frederic Van Leeuw, writes Oliver Milne.
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One person was bought in for questioning in Schaerbeek last night and was being interviewed by the police, Belgium’s federal prosecutor said, according to translation by Sky News. Another person had been released after a thorough interrogation, he added.One person was bought in for questioning in Schaerbeek last night and was being interviewed by the police, Belgium’s federal prosecutor said, according to translation by Sky News. Another person had been released after a thorough interrogation, he added.
Frederic van Leeuw also named Belgian national Khalid el-Bakraoui as the suspected suicide bomber at Maelbeek metro station.Frederic van Leeuw also named Belgian national Khalid el-Bakraoui as the suspected suicide bomber at Maelbeek metro station.
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at 12.41pm GMTat 12.41pm GMT
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Leeuw said 32 people were killed in the attacks, but the death toll was likely rise as some of those injured were critically ill. He also said 270 people were injured in the explosions.Leeuw said 32 people were killed in the attacks, but the death toll was likely rise as some of those injured were critically ill. He also said 270 people were injured in the explosions.
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at 12.39pm GMTat 12.39pm GMT
12.17pm GMT12.17pm GMT
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Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic van Leeuw is giving a news conference. He confirmed media reports that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was the suicide bomber at the airport.Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic van Leeuw is giving a news conference. He confirmed media reports that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui was the suicide bomber at the airport.
Leeuw also confirmed that a third suspect, Najim Laachraoui, was still on the run.Leeuw also confirmed that a third suspect, Najim Laachraoui, was still on the run.
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at 12.32pm GMTat 12.32pm GMT
12.10pm GMT12.10pm GMT
12:1012:10
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
Police across Britain are expected to continue their heightened presence on the streets and around transport hubs and other potential targets, writes Vikram Dodd.Police across Britain are expected to continue their heightened presence on the streets and around transport hubs and other potential targets, writes Vikram Dodd.
The aim is to ease public anxiety after the Brussels atrocities, but also to act as a deterrent. The increase in visibility is expected to continue over the busy Easter weekend.The aim is to ease public anxiety after the Brussels atrocities, but also to act as a deterrent. The increase in visibility is expected to continue over the busy Easter weekend.
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at 12.34pm GMTat 12.34pm GMT
12.08pm GMT12.08pm GMT
12:0812:08
The Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, was joined by his French counterpart, Manuel Valls, and the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, as they laid wreaths outside Maelbeek metro station.The Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel, was joined by his French counterpart, Manuel Valls, and the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, as they laid wreaths outside Maelbeek metro station.
Juncker tweeted: “These events hurt us but do not scare us. We will all face the terrorist threat.”Juncker tweeted: “These events hurt us but do not scare us. We will all face the terrorist threat.”
Ces évènements nous touchent mais ne nous effrayent pas. Nous ferons face ensemble à la menace terroriste #Maelbeek pic.twitter.com/UEubJGjwAYCes évènements nous touchent mais ne nous effrayent pas. Nous ferons face ensemble à la menace terroriste #Maelbeek pic.twitter.com/UEubJGjwAY
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at 12.27pm GMTat 12.27pm GMT
12.06pm GMT12.06pm GMT
12:0612:06
The European commission’s agriculture department remains closed today while structural engineers conduct safety tests, writes Oliver Milne.The European commission’s agriculture department remains closed today while structural engineers conduct safety tests, writes Oliver Milne.
The department, located above Maelbeek station, will remain closed until experts have assessed the damage caused by yesterday’s blast, the department’s commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, has said.The department, located above Maelbeek station, will remain closed until experts have assessed the damage caused by yesterday’s blast, the department’s commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, has said.
Commissioner Georgieva said that DG Agri building above Maelbeek station remains closed and will be checked for infrastructure damage.Commissioner Georgieva said that DG Agri building above Maelbeek station remains closed and will be checked for infrastructure damage.
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at 12.48pm GMTat 12.48pm GMT
12.05pm GMT12.05pm GMT
12:0512:05
Andrew Sparrow, the Guardian’s political correspondent, is covering prime minister’s questions where David Cameron is expected to summarise the outcome of today’s emergency meeting. There will then be a statement from the home secretary on the UK’s security response.Andrew Sparrow, the Guardian’s political correspondent, is covering prime minister’s questions where David Cameron is expected to summarise the outcome of today’s emergency meeting. There will then be a statement from the home secretary on the UK’s security response.
Related: Cameron and Corbyn at PMQs - Politics liveRelated: Cameron and Corbyn at PMQs - Politics live
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at 12.23pm GMTat 12.23pm GMT
12.01pm GMT12.01pm GMT
12:0112:01
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
More details are emerging about those missing and injured in the attacks.More details are emerging about those missing and injured in the attacks.
Two Dutch citizens missingTwo Dutch citizens missing
The Dutch foreign ministry has confirmed that it is searching for two of its nationals who are missing following the explosion at Zaventem airport, writes Oliver Milne. Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant is reporting that the missing pair are from Maastricht and were travelling through Zaventem on a journey to the US.The Dutch foreign ministry has confirmed that it is searching for two of its nationals who are missing following the explosion at Zaventem airport, writes Oliver Milne. Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant is reporting that the missing pair are from Maastricht and were travelling through Zaventem on a journey to the US.
Indian technology worker missingIndian technology worker missing
Raghavendra Ganeshan, an Indian national who works in Brussels, has been missing since the attacks. His mother, Annapoorni Ganeshan, told News Minute that she spoke to him before he left for work on Tuesday, andhe took the metro line that was hit to the office every day.Raghavendra Ganeshan, an Indian national who works in Brussels, has been missing since the attacks. His mother, Annapoorni Ganeshan, told News Minute that she spoke to him before he left for work on Tuesday, andhe took the metro line that was hit to the office every day.
She said: “He told me that he was leaving to work. About an hour later I got a call from my other son, who lives in Germany, saying there was a blast in Brussels. I checked the news. Initially I only saw it was in the airport. But later there were news flashes that there was a blast in the metro line from Merode to Park station. This is the metro my son uses to commute to the office every day.She said: “He told me that he was leaving to work. About an hour later I got a call from my other son, who lives in Germany, saying there was a blast in Brussels. I checked the news. Initially I only saw it was in the airport. But later there were news flashes that there was a blast in the metro line from Merode to Park station. This is the metro my son uses to commute to the office every day.
Ganeshan worked for the technology company Infosys in Brussels.Ganeshan worked for the technology company Infosys in Brussels.
India’s minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, confirmed the authorities were looking for him.India’s minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, confirmed the authorities were looking for him.
We are doing our best to locate Raghavendran Ganesh. /2We are doing our best to locate Raghavendran Ganesh. /2
19 Portugese injured19 Portugese injured
At least 19 Portuguese were injured in the attacks, according to the Patricia Kowsmann at the Wall Street Journal. There is a large community of Portuguese ex-pats in Brussels – 50,000, according to Kowsmann, citing government figures.At least 19 Portuguese were injured in the attacks, according to the Patricia Kowsmann at the Wall Street Journal. There is a large community of Portuguese ex-pats in Brussels – 50,000, according to Kowsmann, citing government figures.
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at 12.21pm GMTat 12.21pm GMT