Belgium launches terror probe after policeman stabbed to death
The Hindu
Local media reported that an assailant stabbed two officers in the area close to the city's Brussels-North railway station
A Belgian police officer was killed in a knife attack in Brussels on Thursday, authorities said, as anti-terror prosecutors took charge of the inquiry.
The spokesman for the prosecutor's office, Eric Van Duyse, told AFP that federal investigators had taken charge "because there is suspicion of a terrorist motive, which will be confirmed or disproved".
Local media reported that an assailant stabbed two officers in the area close to the city's Brussels-North railway station at around 12 a.m. on November 10, 2022, before being shot in the legs and abdomen by another police patrol arriving at the scene.
One of the police officers reportedly died of his injuries after being stabbed in the neck and both the other wounded officer and the perpetrator were hospitalised.
A local resident told AFP that he had heard "five or six shots" fired shortly after the time of the attack.
"Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today's drama demonstrates this once again," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased officer. My sincere hope is that his hospitalised colleague will be well," he posted on social media.