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Brussels attacks suspect Najim Laachraoui reportedly arrested – live Brussels attacks suspect Najim Laachraoui reportedly arrested – live
(35 minutes later)
11.09am GMT
11:09
Our latest news story wraps up this morning’s main developments on the reports of the arrest of the key suspect and the naming of the suspected suicide bombers.
Related: Najim Laachraoui: Brussels police reportedly arrest attacks suspect
11.05am GMT
11:05
The city of Brussels has asked the Royal Belgian Football Association to cancel an upcoming friendly against Portugal.
The match was due to be played at the King Baudouin stadium in central Brussels on 29 March.
The Royal Belgian Football Association has said will consult the federal government, police and security services before making an official decision.
La ville de Bruxelles demande l'annulation de Belgique-Portugal @BelRedDevils https://t.co/s5QL1q0Iii pic.twitter.com/HMpgwKPMP2
11.03am GMT
11:03
The minute’s silence was impeccably observed and ended with sustained applause by those who had gathered at the Place de la Bourse. Someone shouted “long live the Belgians.”
10.58am GMT
10:58
Minute's silence
Institutions and the public in Brussels are about to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of Tuesday’s attacks.
12:00 CET Minute of silence for the victims of yesterday's #BrusselsAttacks. Live: https://t.co/P0BIU0PzXA pic.twitter.com/5p1hnMxO09
A partir de 12h un périmètre de sécurité sera mis en place suite à une minute de silence du Roi, Reine et premier pic.twitter.com/cGHp69sRJx
Will observe minute of silence today at noon to honor the victims of #Brusselsattacks. #UnitedAgainstTerrorism w/ #Belgium @CharlesMichel
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10.39am GMT
10:39
One Briton missing, four injured
Downing Street says it is concerned about a British national who has been missing in Brussels following the attacks.
It said four Britons had been injured, three of whom were in hospital.
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.
No 10 did not mention Dixon in its statement, which said:
“We are concerned about one missing British national and we are in close contact with the Belgian authorities. We are aware of four British nationals who were injured in the attacks – three are being treated in hospital, one has already been discharged. Our embassy staff are working to assist all British nationals affected.
“In terms of travel advice, we continue to advise people to follow the advice of the Belgian authorities. Therefore we are no longer advising against travel to Brussels. British nationals in Belgium should remain alert and vigilant, stay away from crowded places, and follow the instructions of the Belgian authorities.
“Here in the UK, we stepped up the security presence at a number of locations across the country yesterday and we will maintain this in the coming days. The national threat level remains at SEVERE (an attack is highly likely) and the public are advised to be ‘alert but not alarmed’.
“Government departments will be observing a minutes silence at 11am UK time. The prime minister will update MPs at the start of PMQs, followed by an oral statement from the home secretary later this afternoon setting out the government’s response to the attacks.”
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at 11.03am GMT
10.25am GMT10.25am GMT
10:2510:25
Other media outlets in Belgium are independently reporting the arrest of Najim Laachraoui in Anderlecht, Oliver Milne reports.Other media outlets in Belgium are independently reporting the arrest of Najim Laachraoui in Anderlecht, Oliver Milne reports.
Flemish-speaking journalist Michael Sephilha reported the added detail that the suspect had been arrested in a pizza restaurant.Flemish-speaking journalist Michael Sephilha reported the added detail that the suspect had been arrested in a pizza restaurant.
Laachraoui gevat in pizzeria, Abdeslam na grte pizza-bestelling. IS-terroristen zijn blijkbaar pizza-liefhebbers #BrusselsAttacks #junkfoodLaachraoui gevat in pizzeria, Abdeslam na grte pizza-bestelling. IS-terroristen zijn blijkbaar pizza-liefhebbers #BrusselsAttacks #junkfood
L’Echo is also reporting Laachraoui’s arrest, along with radio stations RTL and Nieuws+.L’Echo is also reporting Laachraoui’s arrest, along with radio stations RTL and Nieuws+.
BREAKING Najim #Laachraoui arrested in #anderlecht CONFIRMED https://t.co/3Hui8ehtlN pic.twitter.com/otRnekbqvyBREAKING Najim #Laachraoui arrested in #anderlecht CONFIRMED https://t.co/3Hui8ehtlN pic.twitter.com/otRnekbqvy
The state broadcaster RTBF said there had been an arrest in Anderlecht in connection with the attacks, but it could not confirm whether Laachraoui was the suspect.The state broadcaster RTBF said there had been an arrest in Anderlecht in connection with the attacks, but it could not confirm whether Laachraoui was the suspect.
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at 10.30am GMTat 10.30am GMT
10.14am GMT10.14am GMT
10:1410:14
A minute’s silence will be held in Brussels at noon (1100 GMT) as a tribute to the victims.A minute’s silence will be held in Brussels at noon (1100 GMT) as a tribute to the victims.
We’ll observe a minute of silence at noon today to honour the victimes of yeterday’s attacks. #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/NT9kfhOFJ6We’ll observe a minute of silence at noon today to honour the victimes of yeterday’s attacks. #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/NT9kfhOFJ6
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.15am GMTat 10.15am GMT
9.57am GMT9.57am GMT
09:5709:57
'Suspect arrested''Suspect arrested'
The main surviving suspect in the attacks, Najim Laachraoui, has been arrested in the south-west Brussels suburb of Anderlecht, according to Belgian media.The main surviving suspect in the attacks, Najim Laachraoui, has been arrested in the south-west Brussels suburb of Anderlecht, according to Belgian media.
#NajimLaachraoui arrêté à Anderlecht ! https://t.co/Q805GZ4cjf #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/2tYK0x7W9I#NajimLaachraoui arrêté à Anderlecht ! https://t.co/Q805GZ4cjf #BrusselsAttacks pic.twitter.com/2tYK0x7W9I
So far only Dernière Heure is reporting the arrest. The DH magazine is considered the closest thing Belgian has to a tabloid newspaper.So far only Dernière Heure is reporting the arrest. The DH magazine is considered the closest thing Belgian has to a tabloid newspaper.
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at 10.25am GMTat 10.25am GMT
9.56am GMT9.56am GMT
09:5609:56
Angelique Chrisafis in Brussels and Jon Henley in London have more on Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui.Angelique Chrisafis in Brussels and Jon Henley in London have more on Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui.
Citing sources close to the investigation, the broadcaster RTBF said in an unconfirmed report that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui detonated one of two devices that killed himself and at least 11 others at Zaventem airport close to the Belgian capital. More than 90 other people were injured.Citing sources close to the investigation, the broadcaster RTBF said in an unconfirmed report that Ibrahim el-Bakraoui detonated one of two devices that killed himself and at least 11 others at Zaventem airport close to the Belgian capital. More than 90 other people were injured.
RTBF says Khalid el-Bakraoui was responsible for a third explosion in a metro carriage at Maelbeek station on the rue de la Loi, about 250 metres from the offices of the European commission. At least 14 people died in that attack, and more than 130 were wounded.RTBF says Khalid el-Bakraoui was responsible for a third explosion in a metro carriage at Maelbeek station on the rue de la Loi, about 250 metres from the offices of the European commission. At least 14 people died in that attack, and more than 130 were wounded.
On Tuesday Belgian police appealed for information about three men captured on CCTV camera wheeling loaded baggage trolleys through Zaventem airport. Initial reports on Wednesday morning identified two of the men, dressed in black, as the el-Bakraoui brothers, and the third as 24-year-old Najim Laachraoui.On Tuesday Belgian police appealed for information about three men captured on CCTV camera wheeling loaded baggage trolleys through Zaventem airport. Initial reports on Wednesday morning identified two of the men, dressed in black, as the el-Bakraoui brothers, and the third as 24-year-old Najim Laachraoui.
However, the latest RTBF report only places Ibrahim el-Bakraoui at the airport, raising questions about the identity of a possible fourth attackers.However, the latest RTBF report only places Ibrahim el-Bakraoui at the airport, raising questions about the identity of a possible fourth attackers.
The two el-Bakraoui brothers, both Belgian nationals, were well-known to police as longstanding criminals in the Belgian capital. More recently, it emerged that they had clear links to the Paris attacks last November that killed 130 people.The two el-Bakraoui brothers, both Belgian nationals, were well-known to police as longstanding criminals in the Belgian capital. More recently, it emerged that they had clear links to the Paris attacks last November that killed 130 people.
Related: Two Brussels suicide bombers 'named as el-Bakraoui brothers'Related: Two Brussels suicide bombers 'named as el-Bakraoui brothers'
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.00am GMTat 10.00am GMT
9.52am GMT9.52am GMT
09:5209:52
A senior British counter-terrorism police officer has condemned Donald Trump’s claim that British Muslims are not reporting extremists in their communities to police.A senior British counter-terrorism police officer has condemned Donald Trump’s claim that British Muslims are not reporting extremists in their communities to police.
The deputy assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Trump’s comments were wrong and could spark hate crimes.The deputy assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Trump’s comments were wrong and could spark hate crimes.
He said: “If we demonise one section of the community, that is the worst thing we can do. We are absolutely playing into the terrorists’ hands of making people feel hate.”He said: “If we demonise one section of the community, that is the worst thing we can do. We are absolutely playing into the terrorists’ hands of making people feel hate.”
Basu admitted British police had to do more to encourage Muslims and other Britons to report suspicious activity.Basu admitted British police had to do more to encourage Muslims and other Britons to report suspicious activity.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.56am GMTat 9.56am GMT
9.47am GMT9.47am GMT
09:4709:47
Arthur NeslenArthur Neslen
The health minister, Maggie De Block, said on VRT radio this morning that the death toll for both attacks was at least 31 but that figure was likely to rise.The health minister, Maggie De Block, said on VRT radio this morning that the death toll for both attacks was at least 31 but that figure was likely to rise.
At least 20 people were killed in the attack on the metro; 11 were killed at the airport.At least 20 people were killed in the attack on the metro; 11 were killed at the airport.
Associated Press is reporting 34 dead on the basis of a source in the crisis centre.Associated Press is reporting 34 dead on the basis of a source in the crisis centre.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.53am GMTat 9.53am GMT
9.36am GMT9.36am GMT
09:3609:36
The Belgium broadcaster RTBF says one of the el-Bakraoui brothers is suspected of carrying out the suicide bombing at Maelbeek metro station, and not the airport bombing as previously reported.The Belgium broadcaster RTBF says one of the el-Bakraoui brothers is suspected of carrying out the suicide bombing at Maelbeek metro station, and not the airport bombing as previously reported.
It said Ibrahim el-Bakraoui is suspected of carrying out a suicide attack at the airport, but his brother Khalid carried out the metro attack.It said Ibrahim el-Bakraoui is suspected of carrying out a suicide attack at the airport, but his brother Khalid carried out the metro attack.
If confirmed this would complicate things. If one of the airport suspects was Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and another was Najim Laachraou, who was the third bomber identified in the CCTV footage?If confirmed this would complicate things. If one of the airport suspects was Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and another was Najim Laachraou, who was the third bomber identified in the CCTV footage?
It is conceivable that Khalid el-Bakraoui was involved in the attack at the airport, which occurred around 8am, and then travelled to Maelbeek station, which was attacked at 9.11am.It is conceivable that Khalid el-Bakraoui was involved in the attack at the airport, which occurred around 8am, and then travelled to Maelbeek station, which was attacked at 9.11am.
Federal prosecutors are due to provide further information this morning.Federal prosecutors are due to provide further information this morning.
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at 9.49am GMTat 9.49am GMT
9.25am GMT9.25am GMT
09:2509:25
The French prime minister has said the Brussels attacks underline the need for the European parliament to approve a passenger name record (PNR).The French prime minister has said the Brussels attacks underline the need for the European parliament to approve a passenger name record (PNR).
Associated Press quoted Manuel Valls as 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 is time.”Associated Press quoted Manuel Valls as 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 is time.”
Valls is going to Brussels today and says he will express his “full solidarity” with Belgium’s people.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 the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker.He is due to give a press conference at 2pm local time with the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.41am GMTat 9.41am GMT
9.18am GMT9.18am GMT
09:1809:18
David Cameron has finished chairing a second meeting of the government’s emergency committee. He will update the Commons during prime minister’s questions.David Cameron has finished chairing a second meeting of the government’s emergency committee. 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.I have just chaired another COBRA meeting on the Brussels terror attacks. I will update the House of Commons at noon.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.30am GMTat 9.30am GMT
9.02am GMT9.02am GMT
09:0209:02
Eurostar train services to Brussels have resumed.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.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.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.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.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.”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.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.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.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.“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.”“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.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.22am GMTat 9.22am GMT