Brussels schools and metro to reopen amid security alert

Schools and the metro are expected to reopen in Brussels on Wednesday, despite the extension of a maximum security alert.

With troops and armed police patrolling the streets of the Belgian capital, Belgian authorities have charged a fifth person with terror offences relating to the attacks that killed 130 people in the French capital on November 13.

The metro system, schools, shopping malls, museums, cinemas and many restaurants have been closed in Brussels for several days after the alert level was raised to the highest of four grades.

A security alert in the capital city has been extended until Monday.

Brussels' main Christmas fair, which attracts around a million people a year, is due to open on November 27. Authorities are to decide on Thursday whether it can be opened.