Brussels police given extra security resources for 21 July

Brussels police have requested and will receive extra resources to ensure security on National Day on 21 July in the wake of the attack in Nice, federal home affairs minister Jan Jambon has said. However, the terror threat level will remain at level three for the time being. The National Security Council held an emergency meeting this morning.

At the time of writing, the attack in Nice, in which a man drove a lorry at high speed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, had claimed at least 80 lives, with scores more injured. The man, who appears to have been operating alone, was shot dead by police at the scene.

“A horrific attack,” Jambon said. “A terrible modus operandi, which now seems to have cost the lives of many children.”

Even before the Nice attack, he said, Brussels police had requested additional resources, and their request had been approved. “Of course, the threat assessment agency OCAD will make a new analysis in the run-up to the festivities. We will await that assessment before deciding what additional measures may be required.”

“The necessary measures have been taken,” a spokesperson for the Brussels Capital-Elsene police zone said. The police would not comment on possible extra security measures to come into force today or during the weekend.

In Ghent, the city council is in talks with security services to determine what extra security measures are required during the Gentse Feesten, which start today and run until 24 July. The city had already considered the situation before the Nice attack, described as “new information” by the councillor in charge of festivities, Christophe Peeters.

Meanwhile this morning, the situation of around 20 Belgians known to be in Nice remained uncertain. A special emergency number – 02 501 4000 – has been set up for families and friends to seek information on Belgians in the area.

Tour operators Jetair and Thomas Cook say their customers in the region have been accounted for and are safe. Jetair will operate two flights to Nice today, from Ostend and Charleroi. Passengers will be able to cancel if they choose. A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said there was no reason to cancel flights, with one scheduled today from Brussels Airport.

Photo courtesy Brussels Pictures