CNN
—
A stabbing assault in Brussels which led to the loss of life of least one police officer is “suspected to be terror-related,” authorities mentioned on Thursday.
“It is suspected to be terror-related. It has naturally to be confirmed by the inquiry,” the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s spokesperson Eric Van Duyse informed CNN.
The incident on Thursday evening noticed a police patrol attacked by an individual with a knife. “Other policemen came as backup and use their guns to shoot the attacker as to control the person,” a spokesperson of the North Brussels police drive informed CNN by electronic mail.
“The injured were brought to the hospital. The first investigative duties are ongoing,” the spokesperson added.
The situation of the attacker will not be but clear.
The assault came about at round 7:30 p.m. native time at Rue d’Aerschot within the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek, in accordance with Van Duyse.
Lawmakers despatched their condolences to the household of the slain police officer following information of the assault.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed his condolences, saying his ideas exit to the household and pals of the deceased officer.
“Our police officers risk life and limb every day to keep our society safe. Unfortunately, that is once again apparent today,” he mentioned in a tweet.
Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden described the incident as “terrible drama and heartbreaking news.”
“My thoughts are first and foremost with the next of kin, the members of the police zone, and the entire police organization,” she tweeted.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close known as it “unbearable drama” in Brussels.
“We stand in solidarity with the police forces. The police protect us and must be protected,” he mentioned.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola mentioned she was “shocked” on the homicide of the police officer within the line of responsibility.
“The Belgian Police have worked so closely with (European Parliament) over the years that this feels personal for us. All our thoughts are with them, their loved ones and everyone in Belgium,” she wrote on Twitter.
Belgium has seen a number of terror assaults within the final decade.
In 2017, ISIS claimed accountability for a knife assault on troopers in Brussels. The troopers have been barely wounded within the incident, however one managed to shoot the attacker, who later died within the hospital.
In June of that 12 months, a suspect was fatally shot at a Brussels transit station after a failed bombing that authorities known as a terrorist assault. In March 2016, coordinated assaults on the Brussels airport and a metro station left 31 folks useless and greater than 300 injured.