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Brussels: Police officer killed in knife attack Brussels: Police officer stabbed to death
(about 1 hour later)
A police officer has been killed and another has been stabbed in a knife attack in Brussels. Police officers at the scene of the attack on Thursday night
A police officer has been killed and another has been injured in a knife attack in Brussels.
The two officers were taken to hospital after they were attacked close to Brussels North railway station on Thursday evening.The two officers were taken to hospital after they were attacked close to Brussels North railway station on Thursday evening.
Local media are reporting that the attacker has also died at hospital after he was shot at the scene. His motive is unknown. Local media are reporting that the attacker has also died at hospital after he was shot at the scene.
Police have cordoned off the area and an investigation is underway. The attacker's motive is unknown, but anti-terror officials say they have taken over the investigation.
"We took charge of the case because there is suspicion of a terrorist motive, which will be confirmed or disproved by the investigators," spokesman Eric Van Duyse said.
The two police officers were on patrol in the area before being attacked.The two police officers were on patrol in the area before being attacked.
Police said another patrol arrived at the scene and "neutralised" the attacker; he was shot in the legs and abdomen before being taken to hospital.Police said another patrol arrived at the scene and "neutralised" the attacker; he was shot in the legs and abdomen before being taken to hospital.
A judicial source told the news agency AFP that investigators have yet to gather evidence to substantiate a "suspicion" the attack was terror-related. One local resident told the AFP news agency that they heard "five or six shots" fired shortly after the attack, which occurred at around 19:15 local time (18:15 GMT).
In a tweet sending condolences to the dead officer's family and friends, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote: "Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today's drama demonstrates this once again."In a tweet sending condolences to the dead officer's family and friends, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote: "Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today's drama demonstrates this once again."
"My sincere hope is that his hospitalised colleague will be well," he added."My sincere hope is that his hospitalised colleague will be well," he added.
Police tape, sealed-off streets and flashing blue lights bring back bad memories for Brussels.
It was six years ago, but Brussels still bears the marks of a coordinated terror attack - at the main airport and on the metro - that killed 32 people in 2016.
In the coming weeks, nine alleged members of a cell of the so-called Islamic State are due to go on trial for their involvement in the attacks.