Two explosions have rocked Brussels’ Zaventem Airport with 35 people reported wounded and several people feared dead.
Local media are quoting airport police who have confirmed two explosions at the Belgian airport.
Belgium’s federal prosecutor has this morning confirmed that the attacks were carried out by suicide bomber.
Images from social media and video from Twitter show smoke rising from the airport building.
Eyewitnesses told of hearing two large bangs at around 8am local time, with people were fleeing the terminal building.
#BREAKING: Two loud explosions at #Zaventem airport in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/JFw9RGLjnh
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) March 22, 2016
Injured casualties are reportedly being recovered from the scene on stretchers and luggage trolleys.
Earlier an explosion was heard at a subway metro station in the suburb of Maelbeek.
The city’s entire public transport network has been suspended.
All public transport in #Brussel is closed. Metro and train stations closed. Stay where you are. #zaventem
— CrisisCenter Belgium (@CrisiscenterBE) March 22, 2016
Residents are being told to stay where they are.
All flights in and out of Brussels Airport have been stopped until further notice.
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are stepping up security after the blast.
There have been 2 explosions at the airport. Building is being evacuated. Don't come to the airport area.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Don't come to the airport – airport is being evacuated. Avoid the airport area. Flights have been cancelled.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Dr James Corum, terrorist expert from the University of Salford, said: “The coordinated nature of the attacks in Brussels shows an impressive degree of planning and preparation.
“This shows that ISIS and affiliates remain a serious threat to the security of Western nations.
“In almost every case of major attacks in the US and Europe in the last four years we find that the attackers are already known and are on the police ‘radar screen’ for radical connections.
“The approach of some European governments, of allowing ‘no go zones’ in cities – something that is common in both Belgium and France – is a big enabler for terrorist groups.
“Unfortunately, the Western policy of pinprick bombing of ISIS is not likely to work to deter ISIS or even to limit ISIS’ capabilities.”
