Brussels in Lockdown: Police Pursue Armed Suspects Following Metro Shooting

Early morning chaos in Brussels as armed gunmen sparked a police operation following a shooting near a metro station, leaving the city on high alert.

 

Belgian police are currently on the hunt for armed individuals after a shooting incident occurred outside Clémenceau metro station in central Brussels. CCTV footage captured two men, clad in balaclavas and wielding what appeared to be Kalashnikov rifles, conducting an exchange of gunfire at approximately 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT) on Wednesday.

According to Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for the Brussels police, the suspects subsequently fled into the metro station and may potentially be hiding within the metro tunnels. Fortunately, reports indicate that there were no injuries following the shooting incident.

In response to the alarming situation, both local law enforcement and federal railway police have quickly mobilized to search the surrounding area. To prioritize public safety, Clémenceau station has been closed, alongside the nearby Brussels-Midi station, which serves as a critical terminal for Eurostar services.

Moreover, two metro lines that operate through central Brussels, from Gare de l'Ouest to Trône—located near the European Parliament—have been temporarily suspended.

This developing story will be continually updated as more information becomes available. To stay informed, readers can download the BBC News App on their smartphones or tablets, or follow @BBCBreaking on social media platforms for real-time alerts.