March 22, 2016 11.50 am This story is over 96 months old

East Midlands MEP stationed in Brussels condemns “cowardly” terrorist attacks

An East Midlands MEP currently in Brussels has described her shock at the terrorist attacks that have struck the Belgian capital. Three explosions on the morning of Tuesday, March 22 have rocked the city, with reports of dozens of fatalities and many more casualties. Thirteen people have been reportedly killed in two blasts in the departure…

An East Midlands MEP currently in Brussels has described her shock at the terrorist attacks that have struck the Belgian capital.

Three explosions on the morning of Tuesday, March 22 have rocked the city, with reports of dozens of fatalities and many more casualties.

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Thirteen people have been reportedly killed in two blasts in the departure lounge at the Zaventem airport shortly after 8am this morning, which were believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber.

A third explosion on the Metro near the European Union headquarters an hour later has killed a further 15 people, according to The Metro operator La Stib.

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

The cause of the explosions has not yet been confirmed but the attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Brussels.

Extra officers are to be stationed at key locations in the UK following the attacks, with an increased police presence visible at Heathrow and other major airports.

MEP Emma McClarkin

MEP Emma McClarkin

In response to the attacks, Emma McClarkin, a Conservative MEP representing the East Midlands, who is inside the European Parliament building, said: “I have been shocked and stunned by the events here in Brussels this morning. I completely condemn these cowardly acts of terrorism.

“My thoughts are with those who have been caught up in these attacks, and with the families of those who have been killed.

“We cannot allow terrorism to win, and the security forces must redouble their efforts to prevent attacks and keep innocent people safe from those who want to remove our freedom and destroy our way of life.”