Suspect arrested following bomb alert at several Brussels schools

A suspect has been arrested in Morocco in connection with a bomb threat directed at several schools in Brussels and Walloon Brabant, according to Belgium's federal judicial police.

Authorities are now coordinating with various public prosecutors’ offices in Morocco regarding the case, RTBF reports.

At least 27 schools were closed as a precautionary measure at the start of the week due to a bomb threat made on Sunday evening, with 10,000 students affected.

Police carried out searches in the various schools concerned throughout the day and students were able to return the following day. No evidence of a real threat was found.

The suspect in custody reportedly demanded €10 million in ransom money in his email to head teachers at the 27 schools, claiming to have planted bombs there and promising a “bloody Christmas” if he was not paid.

According to the Brussels public prosecutor's office, the man arrested has confessed to the act.

“The Moroccan police have already interviewed this person,” said Willemien Baert, spokesperson for the Brussels public prosecutor's office.

“He has confessed… His motive is not yet very clear. Initial indications are that his motive was not terrorist, but the investigation is still ongoing.”

The man faces up to two years in prison for his empty threats.