Brussels attacks one year on: Belgium remembers the victims including Hartlepool man David Dixon

Belgium has marked the first anniversary of the Brussels airport and metro terror attacks which killed 32 people, including one man from Hartlepool.

Political leaders, victims and families all gathered in the Belgian capital for moments of silence, wreath laying and testimonies.

On March 22 last year, twin suicide bombers claimed the lives of 16 people at Brussels' Zaventem airport, while a further 16 were the victims of an explosion at Maelbeek subway station.

David Dixon, 50, who was originally from Hartlepool but was living in the Belgian capital, was among those killed in the metro bombing. He was the only Briton to die in the attacks.

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An inquest this week heard Mr Dixon, who had lived in Brussels for about 12 years and had an eight-year-old son, may have been sitting next to the bomber.

The Hartlepool Mail said the inquest was told Dixon had texted his partner Charlotte Sutcliffe to say he was safe after terrorists had detonated two devices at Brussels airport about an hour earlier - unaware he was probably next to a terrorist.

Hartlepool coroner Malcolm Donnelly ruled Mr Dixon had been unlawfully killed.

More than 300 people overall were wounded in the attacks, for which so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility.During Tuesday's memorial services, wreaths were laid outside of both attack sites, with the names of victims read out.

Airport and train staff, security, rescue personnel, as well as Belgium's King Philippe were all in attendance for the solemn occasion.

During Tuesday's memorial services, wreaths were laid outside of both attack sites, with the names of victims read out.

Airport and train staff, security, rescue personnel, as well as Belgium's King Philippe were all in attendance for the solemn occasion.