A police officer has been killed and another injured in a knife attack in Brussels.
Both officers were taken to hospital after the attack near Brussels North railway station on Thursday evening.
Local media are reporting that the attacker also died at the hospital after being shot on the spot.
The attacker’s motive is unknown, but counter-terrorism officials say they have taken over the investigation.
“We have taken over this case because there is a suspicion of a terrorist motive, which will be confirmed or disproved by investigators,” spokesman Eric Van Davis said.
Before the attack, the two policemen were on patrol in the area.
Police say another patrolman arrived at the scene and “neutralized” the assailant. He was shot in the legs and stomach before being taken to hospital.
A local resident told JEE News he heard “five or six shots” shortly after the attack, which happened at around 19:15 (18:15 GMT).
“I was coming home from work and I was on the phone with my dad and then I heard five or six gunshots,” said witness Karim.
“My dad asked me ‘what’s going on?’ I said it might be fireworks, he said to me, ‘No, it’s gunshots.’ He asked me to see what was happening. Then I turned my head and saw a crowd running down the road to see what was happening. I stopped the car to see what was happening. I I saw this man dying on the ground, then I saw blood etc. I started to get scared.
Sending condolences to the family and friends of the slain officer, Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo wrote in a tweet: “Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today’s drama Proves it once again.”
He added, “I sincerely hope that his hospitalized partner recovers.”
Police tape, closed streets and flashing blue lights bring bad memories to Brussels.
It was six years ago, but Brussels still bears the scars of a coordinated terror attack – on the main airport and metro – that killed 32 people in 2016.
In the coming weeks, nine alleged members of a so-called Islamic State cell will go on trial for their involvement in the attacks.
