More than 20 people are believed to have been killed after explosions at Zaventem airport and a Metro station in Brussels.

Passengers inside the airport are feared to have been injured in two blasts which rocked the airport at around 8am local time on Tuesday morning.

There are reports the blasts happened at the American Airlines check-in desk.

Hundreds of travellers fled the airport in terror and a cloud of smoke was seen above.

At the same time a blast rocked Maalbeek metro station, very close to the city’s main European Union buildings.

Ten people have been killed in an explosion at a Metro station, according to Belgian public broadcaster VTM.

Thirteen are said to have died in the blasts at the airport this morning taking the current death toll reportedly to 23.

Follow the latest updates.

Ending live updates - recap of what happened

We are ending our live coverage of today’s attacks in Brussels. Here is a recap of what has happened today:

  • There were two explosions at Brussels Zaventem Airport at around 7am UK time.
  • About an hour later there was an explosion on the Metro at Maelbeek station, near the city’s EU quarter.
  • The death toll is at least 34. Fourteen people are reported to have been killed at the airport and 20 in the explosion on the Metro.
  • The attacks are believed to have injured around 170 people. Of those at least one is British and was injured at the airport, Downing Street said.
  • The attack at the airport targeted an American Airlines desk and was probably carried out by a suicide bomber, Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw said.
  • Local media reported that shouts in Arabic were heard during the attack at the airport.
  • Two Kalashnikov rifles were found in the airport departure lounge after the attacks, a European security official said.
  • Security has been stepped up at Manchester Airport following the attacks - although GMP say there is no specific threat to the region.
  • Share

Suitcase bomb detonated following blast

A US official has confirmed that a ‘suitcase bomb’ was detonated by experts following the Brussels airport blast.

  • Share

President Obama's message of support

President Barack Obama has sent a message of support to the people of Brussels.

He said: “I want to comment on the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Brussels.

“The thoughts at the prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium.

“We stand in solidarity with them in condemning these outrageous attacks against innocent people.

“We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally Belgium in bringing to justice those who are responsible and this is yet another reminder that the world must unite.

“We must be together, regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism.

“We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world.”

President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama
  • Share

Brussels attacks: What we know so far

Here is what we know so far about the attacks in Brussels.

  • There were two explosions at Brussels Zaventem Airport at around 7am UK time.
  • About an hour later there was an explosion on the Metro at Maelbeek station, near the city’s EU quarter.
  • The death toll is at least 34. Fourteen people are reported to have been killed at the airport and 20 in the explosion on the Metro.
  • The attacks are believed to have injured around 170 people. Of those at least one is British and was injured at the airport, Downing Street said.
  • The attack at the airport targeted an American Airlines desk and was probably carried out by a suicide bomber, Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw said. :: Local media reported that shouts in Arabic were heard during the attack at the airport.
  • Two Kalashnikov rifles were found in the airport departure lounge after the attacks, a European security official said.
(Image: Ralph Usbeck via AP)
  • Share

Mayor of Brussels: It’s an attack against our values of liberty, democracy, and against humanism

According to French TV station iTele, Mayor of Brussels Yvan Mayeur said: “Provisional figures from the situation in Maelbeek indicate probably around 20 deaths.

“The situation in the subway is extremely chaotic.

“There are 17 people who were seriously injured, 23 severely wounded and 66 who suffered minor injuries.

“It’s clearly an attack against our values of liberty, democracy, and against humanism.

“We are absolutely determined to defend our social life.

“I am appealing for the solidarity of all Belgians for their capital.”

  • Share

Bombs contained nails

The blasts in today’s attacks were nail bombs, it has emerged,

Marc Decramer a spokesman for the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven has been speaking to the media.

He said: “The bomb contained nails to create more victims.

“Some victims have nails in their bodies.”

Emergency services at the Metro station following the blast
Emergency services at the Metro station following the blast (Image: (AP Photo/Sylvan Plazy)
  • Share

Kalashnikov rifle found in Brussels Airport

At least one and possibly two Kalashnikov rifles have been found in the departure lounge at the Brussels airport after the attacks, a European security official in contact with Belgian police said.

In this photo provided by Ralph Usbeck an unidentified traveller gets to his feet in a smoke filled terminal at Brussels Airport, in Brussels after explosions Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Authorities locked down the Belgian capital on Tuesday after explosions rocked the Brussels airport and subway system, killing a number of people and injuring many more. Belgium raised its terror alert to its highest level, diverting arriving planes and trains and ordering people to stay where they were. Airports across Europe tightened security. (Ralph Usbeck via AP)
Smoke fills the airport following the blast (Image: Ralph Usbeck via AP)
  • Share

Manchester council leader: We must hold on to the ideals of peace at these terrible time

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester city council, said: “We, like the rest of the world, are again in shock to hear of the attack in Brussels. Extreme violence like this resonates through the cities of the world, but we must hold on to the ideals of peace at these terrible times.

“Our sympathy is with the families of those affected and our solidarity with the people of Belgium.”

Sir Richard Leese
Sir Richard Leese
  • Share

Group of University of Manchester students in Brussels are safe

The University of Manchester say a group of students currently in Brussels on a trip are safe.

Twenty one 21 students had travelled to Brussels as part of a joint Francophone and Photography society trip.

A statement from the university said:

In response to this morning’s events at Brussels Airport, we are able to confirm that we have spoken to the University of Manchester Francophone Society president, who has informed us that the group of students who were in Brussels are safe.

We will continue to speak with the society president and group leader of the travel operator, who have been able to provide updates on the safety and well-being of the 21 students who travelled to Brussels as part of a joint Francophone and Photography society trip.

At this stage we would like to reassure everyone that the students have been moved away from the area to safety and will remain in contact throughout. Presently they are all accounted for and on a coach in transit. We would like to offer our support and thoughts to all those who have been affected by the incidents in Brussels today. If you have been affected by these incidents please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01612752930 if you require any support or further information during this time.

Naa Acquah, general secretary at the University of Manchester Students’ Union added:

I am deeply saddened by the news of attacks in Brussels this morning. Our thoughts are with everyone caught up in these horrendous attacks and with the families of those that lost their lives. We are making contact with any students we know that are travelling to and around Brussels this week. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

  • Share

Mapped: Where blasts happened in Brussels

  • Share

Unexploded bomb belt' found at Brussels airport - reports

Police have found ‘unexploded bomb belts’ at Brussels airport, according to reports.

Belgian broadcaster VTM says nearly five hours after the explosion, the danger is not over at Zaventem.

Belga news agency says police are still not sure that all terrorists either died in the suicide blasts or left the building.

They are currently scouring CCTV for images of suspicious people.

The airport evacuation is nearly complete.

  • Share

What we know so far

Here is what we know so far:

  • There were two explosions at around 8am local time (7am GMT) at Zaventem airport as people queued to check-in
  • Shots were heard before the explosions, which appear to have struck near the American Airlines and Brussels Airline check-in desk
  • It has been confirmed an explosion was a suicide bomber
  • Some time later there was also a blast at Maalbeek metro station, very close to the city’s main European Union buildings
  • The Belgian government has raised the terror alert level to 4 across the country, the highest level
  • 34 people are believed to have been killed - 14 at the airport and 20 at the Metro station.
  • 170 people were injured in the attacks - including one Briton
  • Security has been stepped up at Manchester Airport following the attacks - although GMP say there is no specific threat to the region.
  • Share

One British person injured in attacks

One British national is known to have been injured in the bomb attack on the airport in Brussels, Downing Street said.

  • Share

Video: David Cameron on Brussels attacks

David Cameron has offered his condolences to Belgium after today’s devastating terror attacks.

Speaking to Sky News, the Prime Minister said: “I’ve just spoken to the Prime Minister of Belgium to give our sympathies and our condolences to the Belgian people.

“We absolutely stand with them at this very difficult time.

“These were attacks in Belgium - they could just as well be in Britain or in France or Germany, or elsewhere in Europe and we need to stand together against these appalling terrorists and make sure they can never win.

“I’ve also made sure we’ve offered every support to the Belgian security, policing and intelligence forces at this time.

“I’ve chaired a meeting of COBRA here in London to make sure we’re doing everything that we can to enhance our own security and there’ll be police presence at airports, ports, underground stations and international railway stations as you’d expect.

“But these are difficult times, these are appalling terrorists but we must stand together to do everything we can to stop them and to make sure that although they attack our way of life and they attack us because of who we are we will never let them win.

“We obviously still have information coming in and if there is information that implies there is a direct threat to the United Kingdom then we would raise the threat even higher than it is today.

“But it already stands at severe which means we believe if an attack is highly likely and that has been the case for some time so we’ll continue to keep the situation under review and continue to make sure that COBRA meets and make sure we do everything we can to keep the British people safe.

“We face a very real terrorist threat right across the different countries of Europe and we have to meet that with everything we have.”

He added that it was ‘too early to say’ whether any Brits had been caught up in the attacks, saying that “we will make announcements when we have hard information.”

  • Share

Explosion hit second carriage of Metro train

Some more details are now emerging about the attack on the Metro station at Maalbeek.

The blast hit the second carriage of a three-car train just after it left Maalbeek going towards Arts-Loi, it is reported.

The driver immediately stopped the train and evacuated.

  • Share

Vincent Kompany 'horrified and revolted'

Vincent Kompany, captain of the Belgium national football team and Manchester City, has tweeted: “Horrified and revolted. Innocent people paying the price again. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. #Brussels

He followed with another tweet: I wish for Brussels to act with dignity. We are all hurting, yet we must reject hate and its preachers. As hard as it may be. #Brussels

  • Share

34 people now believed to have been killed in blasts

Belgian media say 34 people have now been killed in the attacks.

A total of 14 people died in two explosions at Brussels Airport.

Twenty people have died in the blast at Maalbeek Metro station.

  • Share

'Possibly one UK casualty' in Brussels attacks

London Mayor Boris Johnson has been speaking to the media after attending the COBRA security meeting with the Prime Minister.

He says there “might be one UK casualty”. But he adds details are “very sketchy at the moment”.

  • Share

At least 28 people killed

At least 28 people were killed and many more injured after coordinated bomb attacks on the main airport and the Metro system brought terror to Brussels.

The attacks, condemned as “blind, violent and cowardly” by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, came after the arrest in the city last week of terror mastermind Salah Abdeslam, who plotted November’s Paris atrocity from the notorious Molenbeek suburb of Brussels.

Responding to the attacks, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said “We are at war. In Europe we have been subjected to acts of war for several months.”

A suicide bomber struck first near the American Airlines desk at Brussels airport, with local media reporting that shots were fired amid shouting in Arabic.

The explosion on the Metro was near European Union buildings and the US embassy.

  • Share

What to do if you are flying to Brussels in the next seven days

We’ve put together some information if you have travel plans involving Brussels over the next week or so.

Read it here.

  • Share

GMP chief constable reiterates there is 'no specific threat to communities in Greater Manchester'

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins

GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins says while there is no specific threat to our communities here in Greater Manchester following the attacks in Belgium, they is a reminder to us all of the need to be vigilant.

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of those affected by the shocking terrorist attacks in Brussels this morning. Whilst there is no specific threat to our communities here in Greater Manchester, it is a reminder to us all of the need to be vigilant. I would urge people to report anything suspicious to the Police.

Officers and staff from Greater Manchester Police and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit work tirelessly to keep us all safe, but we can only do this with the continued support of the public.

The aim of terrorists is to divide society and spread fear. At this awful time our communities across Greater Manchester should stand together and support each other more than ever. We will stand be standing together with them.

  • Share

'Weapons found' in the Zaventem airport

Weapons have been found in the Zaventem airport building in Brussels, it has been claimed.

The discovery was made as investigations continue at the scene, according to Belga news agency.

The airport is still being evacuated.

  • Share

Pictured: Increased security at Manchester Airport

Here are some pictures from Manchester Airport after security was stepped up following the attacks in Brussels.

Increased security at Manchester Airport
(Image: Matt Ratcliffe )
Increased security at Manchester Airport
(Image: Matt Ratcliffe)
(Image: Matt Ratcliffe )
  • Share

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd: 'Greater Manchester express solidarity with Belgium'

Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has said:

The terrible events in Brussels will shock and outrage people around the world.

All communities here in Greater Manchester will wish to express their solidarity with, and sympathy to the people of Belgium.

Our thoughts are with them, alongside a determination that those who would seek to sow discord and fear through death and destruction will never win.

  • Share

Brussels Airport to be closed until at least Wendesday morning

Passengers continue to stream out of Brussels Airport in a state of shock.

Authorities are currently saying Brussels airport will be closed until at least Wednesday morning at 6am.

No flights, from the UK or elsewhere, are arriving at the airport.

  • Share

French cartoon pays tribute to Brussels following attacks

France has paid tribute to Brussels following today’s attacks.

Paris was devastated by terror attacks in November 2015.

A cartoon image of the tricolore flag holding a crying Belgian flag has been circulated online.

Meanwhile Facebook has activated its safety check feature to let concerned friends and family know they are safe.

  • Share

Security stepped up at Manchester Airport - full story

Police have upped security at Manchester Airport , transport hubs and ‘iconic locations’ across the region in the wake of this morning’s devastating Brussels attacks.

All flights between Manchester and Brussels have also been cancelled after three explosions in the Belgian capital left at least 21 dead and scores of people injured.

Greater Manchester Police have now increased their armed presence at the airport and upped patrols in crowded areas and key locations across the city.

The UK terror threat alert has not been increased, however – and there is not believed to be a specific threat to the region.

Read the full story HERE.

Increased security at Manchester Airport
Increased security at Manchester Airport (Image: Matt Ratcliffe )
  • Share

'At least 15 killed' at Metro station

At least 15 people have died and a further 55 were injured in the Metro blast, it has been reported.

The Brussels transport authority STIB confirmed the latest figures, according to Bloomberg.

It is believed a bomb went off as the underground train reached Maelbeek station at 9.11am.

If confirmed, that would take the current total death toll to 28.

  • Share

Ryanair still flying to Charleroi from Manchester

Ryanair say they are still flying to the other Brussels airport (Charleroi) this evening.

  • Share

Eyewitness says explosions took place near counter and Starbucks

An eyewitness at the airport claims the first of two explosions took place near a counter where customers pay for overweight baggage while the second was near Starbucks.

Anthony Deloos, an employee of services company Swissport, said: “Twenty metres from us we heard a big explosion.”

He added that shredded paper was flying through the air and initially he thought a billboard had fallen down, but a colleague told him to run.
“I jumped into a luggage chute to be safe,” he said.

  • Share