Belgium is on its highest level of security alert after two people were shot dead in central Brussels, as police warned that the suspect is still on the run. According to video footage, the gunman fled the scene after using an automatic rifle.
Two people have been shot dead in Brussels by a lone gunman who is at large. The match between Belgium and Sweden is suspended amid raised terror alertBelgian police have launched a city-wide manhunt after a gunman claiming to be a supporter of ISIS shot dead two people in Brussels.
Following the incident the alleged attacker used the name 'Slayem Slouma' to boast about the two murders on Facebook, adding he sought to avenge the killing of a six-year-old US-Palestinian boy. Police spokeswoman Ilse Vande Keere said officers arrived soon at the scene in Brussels, and sealed off the immediate neighbourhood
Eric Van Duyse, spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, said the investigation was centering on 'a possible terrorist motivation for the shooting' after 'a claim of responsibility was posted on social media.' A UEFA spokesperson said: 'Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.Footage shared online shows the alleged shooter dressed in a fluorescent orange jacket arriving at the scene on his moped.
The OCAD anti-terror centre also said that the terror alert for the rest of the country was raised to its second-highest level. 'A horrible shooting in Brussels, and the perpetrator is actively being tracked down,' said Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, adding that she was joining government talks at the National Crisis Center.
Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reports the gunman used an automatic rifle and fled the scene on his scooter. Attendees at Wadea's funeral waved Palestinian flags in support of him and his family after he was stabbed to deathPlayers, fans and match officials observe a minute's silence prior to match between Belgium and Sweden at King Baudouin Stadium
Swedish Justice Minister, Gunnar Strommer, said his government was working with authorities in Belgium 'to get more information about what happened'.'The government office and relevant authorities are working intensively to get more information about what happened.' The suspect, who was wearing a crash helmet and fluorescent jacket, was brandishing a 'Kalashnikov-style' weapon, and had also fired at man in the lobby of a nearby building.The investigating source added: 'The alleged perpetrator has posted a video in which he is a member of ISIS'.
'All partners have indeed been called together,' said Laura Demullier, spokesperson for the state Crisis Center. This photograph shows the police cordon in place at the sight of the shooting in the Boulevard d'YpresThe centre of Brussels was brought to a standstill after a lone gunman shot two people dead last night'Everyone is asked to come here as soon as possible to discuss the next move.'
Mathieu Van Overstraeten who was there with his daughter, said the crowd chanted 'all together' and 'Sweden' as it waited. 'We don't have many details,' Van Overstraeten said. 'Every 10 to 15 minutes the speaker thanks people for their patience and urges calm.' Sweden manager Janne Andersson confirmed the players had asked for the game to be abandoned when they heard about the shooting at half-time.
A Sweden supporter holds his head in his hands after the match was abandoned due to the terrorist attack in Brussels last night Leroy said the Swedish fans were last to leave the stadium 'because the police will escort the Swedish fans and players, who will obviously go straight to the airport and leave.'
In September, a Brussels court handed out sentences ranging up to life in prison to eight men for the jihadist bombings in Brussels.
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