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Brussels terror attacks

A series of explosions has hit Brussels airport and the metro system in the Belgian capital. The airport blast was a suicide attack, a Belgian prosecutor has said.

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More police patrols at key transport hubs in the East

The Belgian and European Union flags fly at half mast outside the embassy of Belgium in London. Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Police have increased patrols at transport hubs across the Anglia region following the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

A number of people are feared dead and many injured following explosions at the airport and a metro station in the Belgium capital.

Assistant Chief Constable Jeff Hill who leads the Eastern Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the people of Brussels following this morning’s terrible attacks.

“While there is no specific intelligence to suggest a similar attack is planned in this country, as a region we have increased patrols at our major transport hubs, including airports, to increase levels of security and provide reassurance to the public.

“The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains at severe as it has been since August 2014, meaning an attack is highly likely."

– Jeff Hill, Bedfordshire Assistant Chief Constable
  • Police say people should report suspicious activity to the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321

Norwich footballer 'unharmed but shaken' after Brussels Airport terror attack

Norwich footballer Dieumerci Mbokani 'unharmed but shaken' after Brussels Airport terror attack Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Norwich City Football Club says its on-loan stiker Dieumerci Mbokani was at Zaventem Airport in Brussels at the time of the terror attacks.

The Dinamo Kiev player was unharmed but shaken by the tragic events at the airport.

Norwich City says it is in constant dialogue with Dieumerci, who has now returned home to be with his family.

"The thoughts of everyone at Norwich City are with the victims of the atrocities in Belgium today and their relatives."

– Statement from Norwich City Football Club

East Anglia MEP in Brussels metro station minutes before explosion

Richard Howitt MEP was in the Maelbaek metro station in Brussels 30 minutes before the explosion there. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Richard Howitt, the Labour MEP for the East of England, was in one of the metro stations in Brussels hit by an explosion.

Mr Howitt was in the Maelbaek station 30 minutes before the suspected bomb exploded.

He says the European Parliament, which is nearby, is in lockdown.

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Anglia region airports on high alert after Brussels attacks

Police at London Luton Airport are on a high state of alert following the explosions in Belgium.

Luton Airport Credit: ITV Anglia

Airport managers say the threat level was high before today's incidents and that officers are providing high visibility policing around the airport.

Stansted are also increasing security as a precautionary measure.

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