Police from the Brussels-North zone were on patrol on Rue d’Aerschot in Schaerbeek, Brussels, when they were attacked by a knife-wielding individual at around 7:15 PM on Thursday evening. One officer was wounded in the neck and has since died of his injuries.
According to various media reports, the perpetrator shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he attacked the patrolling police officers, but this information was not immediately confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office.
A perimeter has been set up and an investigation launched by the prosecutor’s office.
“Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today’s tragedy demonstrates this once again,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Twitter on Thursday evening following the knife attack, in which a police officer was killed and another wounded.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased officer," the Prime Minister said. "My sincere hope is that his hospitalised colleague will be fine."
