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Brussels attacks: el-Bakraoui brothers 'named as suicide bombers' – live Brussels attacks: el-Bakraoui brothers 'named as suicide bombers' – live
(35 minutes later)
9.25am GMT
09:25
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, says the Brussels attacks underline the need for the European parliament to approve a passenger name record (PNR).
AP quoted him saying: “It is urgent to adopt the European PNR. The European Parliament has waited too long to adopt this text. It must examine and adopt it in April, it’s time.”
Valls is going to Brussels today and says he will express his “full solidarity” with Belgium’s people.
He is due to give a press conference at 2pm local time, with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
9.18am GMT
09:18
David Cameron has finished chairing a second meeting of the government’s emergency committee in the wake of the attacks. He will update the Commons during prime minister’s questions.
I have just chaired another COBRA meeting on the Brussels terror attacks. I will update the House of Commons at noon.
9.02am GMT
09:02
Eurostar train services to Brussels have resumed.
We're running a normal service on our Brussels route. If you're travelling today, please allow extra time to check in.
Meanwhile, life in Brussels is “getting back to normal”, according to the UK’s EU commissioner, Lord Hill of Oareford, PA reports.
He was speaking before a meeting of European commissioners to discuss the response to the terrorist attacks.
Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he played down suggestions that the attacks would lead to changes to the EU’s Schengen system of borderless travel.
But he conceded that there were questions about how the Schengen system was operating. Hill said: “What we need to have first of all is co-operation between member states on this.”
He said the first he heard of the bomb only hundreds of yards from his office was via news reports. Fellow workers, who were already digesting the news of the earlier attack on the airport, went to the office windows to see “a plume of smoke” rising from Maalbeek station, he said.
There was “initially shock and then the realisation that this was a serious attack also became clear”, he added.
Hill said he walked home at the end of the day, rather than using a car, as “my own kind of probably meaningless gesture” of solidarity, and was already able to see signs of life returning to normal.
“There were people sitting out having a drink and the bars were full of young people and I took that as an actually rather encouraging sign. There were lots of people walking because the public transport wasn’t working,” he said.
“It’s back working this morning, trams are running, there are buses running, there’s Metro running and train stations are opening, so there are signs of life getting back to normal after that initial shock.”
Updated
at 9.22am GMT
8.44am GMT8.44am GMT
08:4408:44
Angelique ChrisafisAngelique Chrisafis
Angelique Chrisafis in Brussels has more on the third possible suspect in the airport attack.Angelique Chrisafis in Brussels has more on the third possible suspect in the airport attack.
Najim Laachraoui, 24, who Belgian media reported grew up in the Brussels neighbourhood of Schaerbeek, was well-known to police.Najim Laachraoui, 24, who Belgian media reported grew up in the Brussels neighbourhood of Schaerbeek, was well-known to police.
He is believed to have travelled to Syria in 2013 and was thought to have been key in a recruitment ring of Brussels youths for jihad.He is believed to have travelled to Syria in 2013 and was thought to have been key in a recruitment ring of Brussels youths for jihad.
In 2014 an international arrest warrant was issued against him, but this appears not to have stopped him returning to Belgium. Since December, police investigating the Paris attacks have been looking for a man under the alias of Soufiane Kayal who it recently emerged was Laachraoui. His DNA was found in two hideouts used by Paris attackers and also on explosive material.In 2014 an international arrest warrant was issued against him, but this appears not to have stopped him returning to Belgium. Since December, police investigating the Paris attacks have been looking for a man under the alias of Soufiane Kayal who it recently emerged was Laachraoui. His DNA was found in two hideouts used by Paris attackers and also on explosive material.
The state broadcaster RTBF reported that he could have been one of the bombmakers involved in November’s Paris attacks.The state broadcaster RTBF reported that he could have been one of the bombmakers involved in November’s Paris attacks.
8.40am GMT8.40am GMT
08:4008:40
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
Home Secretary Theresa May has argued that membership of the EU helps Britain to fight terrorism, saying it allows countries to “stand together” against the threat, writes Anushka Asthana. The home secretary Theresa May has argued that membership of the EU helps Britain to fight terrorism, saying it allows countries to “stand together” against the threat, writes Anushka Asthana.
In an interview before the atrocity in Brussels but published today in the Times, she suggested that tackling the security threat was what convinced her to back the Remain camp and added that the terrorists “will not win”.In an interview before the atrocity in Brussels but published today in the Times, she suggested that tackling the security threat was what convinced her to back the Remain camp and added that the terrorists “will not win”.
“I think this is an issue people should look at more broadly, but on the security front there are good reasons for us to be members of the European Union,” she said.“I think this is an issue people should look at more broadly, but on the security front there are good reasons for us to be members of the European Union,” she said.
“The UK threat level is at severe, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely. We know that since November 2014 seven terrorist plots have been disrupted in the UK. What’s important is that we work with others to ensure that we can respond.”“The UK threat level is at severe, which means a terrorist attack is highly likely. We know that since November 2014 seven terrorist plots have been disrupted in the UK. What’s important is that we work with others to ensure that we can respond.”
May, who will attend a Cobra meeting this morning with colleagues to discuss the UK’s reaction to the attacks in Brussels, talked about how rejoining the European arrest warrant paved the way for a “quicker... smooth” process that didn’t rely on a series of bilateral agreements. And she said the EU was able to share fingerprints and DNA information, which was an “important tool” to help catch criminals. May, who will attend a Cobra meeting this morning with colleagues to discuss the UK’s reaction to the attacks in Brussels, talked about how rejoining the European arrest warrant paved the way for a “quicker ... smooth” process that didn’t rely on a series of bilateral agreements. And she said the EU was able to share fingerprints and DNA information, which was an “important tool” to help catch criminals.
The interview comes amid controversy after leading UKIP figures were accused of using the terror attacks to boost their case for leaving the EU. Nigel Farage, the party leader, retweeted a message from a newspaper columnist that said Brussels was the “jihadist capital” of Europe and “Remainers dare to say we’re safer in the EU”. Today it has emerged that Lord Howard, speaking before the attacks, claimed that the EU’s open borders were encouraging terrorists into the continent.The interview comes amid controversy after leading UKIP figures were accused of using the terror attacks to boost their case for leaving the EU. Nigel Farage, the party leader, retweeted a message from a newspaper columnist that said Brussels was the “jihadist capital” of Europe and “Remainers dare to say we’re safer in the EU”. Today it has emerged that Lord Howard, speaking before the attacks, claimed that the EU’s open borders were encouraging terrorists into the continent.
“The second is a consequence of the Schengen agreement which, according to the former Head of Interpol ‘is like hanging a sign welcoming terrorists to Europe’,” the former Tory leader said on Tuesday.“The second is a consequence of the Schengen agreement which, according to the former Head of Interpol ‘is like hanging a sign welcoming terrorists to Europe’,” the former Tory leader said on Tuesday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.46am GMT at 9.18am GMT
8.34am GMT8.34am GMT
08:3408:34
Trump accuses Muslims of 'protecting each other'Trump accuses Muslims of 'protecting each other'
US presidential candidate Donald Trump has urged British Muslims to do more to report extremism.US presidential candidate Donald Trump has urged British Muslims to do more to report extremism.
In an interview with Piers Morgan on ITV’s Good Morning Britain he said: “It’s like they are protecting each other. They have to open up to society, they have to report the bad ones.”In an interview with Piers Morgan on ITV’s Good Morning Britain he said: “It’s like they are protecting each other. They have to open up to society, they have to report the bad ones.”
Speaking in the aftermath of the Brussels attacks, said: “I would say this to Muslims ... when they see trouble they have to report it. They are not reporting it.”Speaking in the aftermath of the Brussels attacks, said: “I would say this to Muslims ... when they see trouble they have to report it. They are not reporting it.”
8.12am GMT8.12am GMT
08:1208:12
The el-Bakraoui brothers can be added to a long list of brothers involved in terrorism.The el-Bakraoui brothers can be added to a long list of brothers involved in terrorism.
The Guardian’s Jason Burke, wrote about “jihad by family” in the wake of November’s Paris attacks which included the brothers Ibrahim Abdeslam – who blew himself up outside the Comptoir Voltaire restaurant – and Salah Abdeslam who was captured in Brussels on Friday.The Guardian’s Jason Burke, wrote about “jihad by family” in the wake of November’s Paris attacks which included the brothers Ibrahim Abdeslam – who blew himself up outside the Comptoir Voltaire restaurant – and Salah Abdeslam who was captured in Brussels on Friday.
He wrote:He wrote:
Ten years ago, US military intelligence officials in Iraq identified having a close family member already involved as the greatest predictor of an individual becoming involved in violent militancy, Islamic or otherwise.Ten years ago, US military intelligence officials in Iraq identified having a close family member already involved as the greatest predictor of an individual becoming involved in violent militancy, Islamic or otherwise.
This may be a brother, or it may be a father. Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, a British aspiring rapper turned Isis recruit, is the son of Adel Abdel Bary, an Egyptian militant who came to the UK in 1991 and was later convicted in New York for his role in al–Qaida’s attack on US embassies in east Africa in 1998. In the UK more recently, along with siblings, parents of jihadis have been detained and some charged with Syria-related offences.This may be a brother, or it may be a father. Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, a British aspiring rapper turned Isis recruit, is the son of Adel Abdel Bary, an Egyptian militant who came to the UK in 1991 and was later convicted in New York for his role in al–Qaida’s attack on US embassies in east Africa in 1998. In the UK more recently, along with siblings, parents of jihadis have been detained and some charged with Syria-related offences.
Research by New America, a nonpartisan thinktank in the United States, showed that more than a quarter of western fighters have a familial connection to jihad, whether through relatives who are also fighting in Syria and Iraq, through marriage or through some link to other jihads or terrorist attacks.Research by New America, a nonpartisan thinktank in the United States, showed that more than a quarter of western fighters have a familial connection to jihad, whether through relatives who are also fighting in Syria and Iraq, through marriage or through some link to other jihads or terrorist attacks.
Related: 'Jihad by family': Why are terrorist cells often made up of brothers?Related: 'Jihad by family': Why are terrorist cells often made up of brothers?
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.22am GMTat 8.22am GMT
8.00am GMT8.00am GMT
08:0008:00
The family of a missing British man, who has not been seen since leaving for work in Brussels on Tuesday morning, have been talking about the agonising wait for news.The family of a missing British man, who has not been seen since leaving for work in Brussels on Tuesday morning, have been talking about the agonising wait for news.
David Dixon, a former British Airways employee from Hartlepool, is believed to have been on a metro train at the time of the attack on Maelbeek station.David Dixon, a former British Airways employee from Hartlepool, is believed to have been on a metro train at the time of the attack on Maelbeek station.
Marie Sutcliffe, sister of Dixon’s partner, said her sister Charlotte had spent much of yesterday going to various hospitals in Brussels looking for him.Marie Sutcliffe, sister of Dixon’s partner, said her sister Charlotte had spent much of yesterday going to various hospitals in Brussels looking for him.
“Understandably she’s very very distressed,” Sutcliffe said.“Understandably she’s very very distressed,” Sutcliffe said.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she added: “It’s just waiting, which is heartbreaking and very worrying.”Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she added: “It’s just waiting, which is heartbreaking and very worrying.”
She said the family had been struggling with the communication network in Brussels which was overwhelmed in the wake of Tuesday’s attacks.She said the family had been struggling with the communication network in Brussels which was overwhelmed in the wake of Tuesday’s attacks.
“There’s no phone network. I’ve tried to phone him and other people have,” she said.“There’s no phone network. I’ve tried to phone him and other people have,” she said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.14am GMTat 8.14am GMT
7.51am GMT7.51am GMT
07:5107:51
Third 'suspect' namedThird 'suspect' named
Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
The Brussels airport attacker still at large has been tentatively identified by the Belgium media as Najim Laachraoui.The Brussels airport attacker still at large has been tentatively identified by the Belgium media as Najim Laachraoui.
He is described by DH.be as a possible suspect based on an apparent resemblance to a photo of Laachroui released by police last night.He is described by DH.be as a possible suspect based on an apparent resemblance to a photo of Laachroui released by police last night.
Laachraoui was already wanted by the police after his DNA was been found in houses used by the Paris attackers last year, prosecutors said on Monday.Laachraoui was already wanted by the police after his DNA was been found in houses used by the Paris attackers last year, prosecutors said on Monday.
He had traveled to Hungary in September with Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam.He had traveled to Hungary in September with Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam.
#TERRORISME A rechercher - Najim LAACHRAOUI https://t.co/8WCyCZdJP9 pic.twitter.com/S4UZnG3XYf#TERRORISME A rechercher - Najim LAACHRAOUI https://t.co/8WCyCZdJP9 pic.twitter.com/S4UZnG3XYf
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.29am GMTat 8.29am GMT
7.35am GMT7.35am GMT
07:3507:35
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Here is a round-up of the latest key developments:Here is a round-up of the latest key developments:
Related: First Brussels bombings victims named as stories of survival emergeRelated: First Brussels bombings victims named as stories of survival emerge
7.24am GMT7.24am GMT
07:2407:24
Angelique ChrisafisAngelique Chrisafis
The Belgian state broadcaster RTBF is reporting that two of the suspected terrorist suicide-bombers at Brussels airport were Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui.The Belgian state broadcaster RTBF is reporting that two of the suspected terrorist suicide-bombers at Brussels airport were Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui.
The Belgian el-Bakraoui brothers were well-known to the police as longstanding criminals in the Belgian capital and more recently it emerged they had clear links to November’s Paris attacks.The Belgian el-Bakraoui brothers were well-known to the police as longstanding criminals in the Belgian capital and more recently it emerged they had clear links to November’s Paris attacks.
This connection to the Paris attacks and to recent police raids in Brussels, in which some suspects escaped from police, is a very significant development. If the Brussels bombers prove to be part of the same cell as the Paris attackers, this will raise serious questions about potential police and intelligence failings.This connection to the Paris attacks and to recent police raids in Brussels, in which some suspects escaped from police, is a very significant development. If the Brussels bombers prove to be part of the same cell as the Paris attackers, this will raise serious questions about potential police and intelligence failings.
The el-Bakraoui brothers are from Brussels and have a long history in organised crime in Belgium. They were among the suspects on the run and being hunted by Belgian police since the police raids of recent days.The el-Bakraoui brothers are from Brussels and have a long history in organised crime in Belgium. They were among the suspects on the run and being hunted by Belgian police since the police raids of recent days.
One of the brothers had rented the flat in Forest, south west Brussels which was raided by police last Tuesday, exactly a week before the Brussels attacks, and where Salah Abdeslam, the Paris suspect had been present. In that Forest raid, heavy weapons and an Islamic State flag were found and one member of the Paris attacks cell, an Algerian Mohamed Belkaïd, was shot by a police sniper.One of the brothers had rented the flat in Forest, south west Brussels which was raided by police last Tuesday, exactly a week before the Brussels attacks, and where Salah Abdeslam, the Paris suspect had been present. In that Forest raid, heavy weapons and an Islamic State flag were found and one member of the Paris attacks cell, an Algerian Mohamed Belkaïd, was shot by a police sniper.
One of the el-Bakraoui brothers is also known to have rented one of the hideouts of the Paris jihadist team, in Charleroi in Belgium, where two of the attackers met before heading to Paris in November to carry out the attacks that killed 130 people: Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the ringleader, and Bilal Hadfi, one of the Stade de France suicide bombers.One of the el-Bakraoui brothers is also known to have rented one of the hideouts of the Paris jihadist team, in Charleroi in Belgium, where two of the attackers met before heading to Paris in November to carry out the attacks that killed 130 people: Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the ringleader, and Bilal Hadfi, one of the Stade de France suicide bombers.
One of the el-Bakraoui brothers is also believed to have provided ammunition and weapons for the Paris attacks in which gunmen opened fire on bars and at a rock concert at the Bataclan, RTBF reported.One of the el-Bakraoui brothers is also believed to have provided ammunition and weapons for the Paris attacks in which gunmen opened fire on bars and at a rock concert at the Bataclan, RTBF reported.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.28am GMTat 7.28am GMT
7.11am GMT7.11am GMT
07:1107:11
Airport suicide bombers identifiedAirport suicide bombers identified
Belgium’s state broadcaster RTBF has named Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui as the two men who detonated suitcase bombs, killing themselves and several others, at Zaventem airport.Belgium’s state broadcaster RTBF has named Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui as the two men who detonated suitcase bombs, killing themselves and several others, at Zaventem airport.
The brothers were already being sought by police, suspected of hiring properties as hideouts for the Paris terrorist team.The brothers were already being sought by police, suspected of hiring properties as hideouts for the Paris terrorist team.
The Guardian cannot immediately verify this identification.The Guardian cannot immediately verify this identification.
7.04am GMT7.04am GMT
07:0407:04
Soldiers have been checking people’s bags as they entered Brussels’ metro network this morning, Press Association reports.Soldiers have been checking people’s bags as they entered Brussels’ metro network this morning, Press Association reports.
The public transport network is partially reopening today, although some stations remain closed.The public transport network is partially reopening today, although some stations remain closed.
Every person was asked to open their bags by armed troops before they were allowed to descend the steps at a station at de Brouckère.Every person was asked to open their bags by armed troops before they were allowed to descend the steps at a station at de Brouckère.