Wanted: Police have issued an appeal to catch this ISIS suspect, seen on CCTV footage dressed in a white shirt and jacket and wearing a dark hat as he pushed a luggage trolley through the airport minutes before two bombs rocked Brussels Airport
A major manhunt is underway tonight for an ISIS suspect in a white coat and black hat who fled Brussels Airport after two explosions ripped through the terminal in a suicide bomb attack this morning, killing 14 people and injuring dozens of others.
Police issued a wanted notice for the man who was seen on CCTV calmly pushing a luggage trolley through the check-in area with two other suspects minutes before the blasts at about 8am (7am GMT) today.
His alleged accomplices were wearing black gloves on their left hands, which security sources say would have hidden the triggers for their explosive vests.
Bombs were also said to have been planted in their suitcases which they checked in just minutes before the atrocities, according to the local mayor.
Zaventem mayor Francis Vermeiren said: 'They came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags.
'They put their suitcases on trolleys, the first two bombs exploded. The third also put his on a trolley but he must have panicked, it didn't explode.'
The two men blew themselves up while the third suspect is believed to have left his nail bomb before being spotted running from the terminal.
It is not known if the fugitive then sped to Maelbeek station to carry out the other blast that killed 20 people in a subway train just 79 minutes later.
Belgian police launched the manhunt as ISIS claimed responsibility for the massacres, which killed 34 people in total and injured close to 200 others.
As a series of anti-terror police raids were mounted across Belgium today, prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw confirmed two suicide bombers died in the attack on Brussels' main airport while the third is being 'actively' sought.
In a statement, officers appealed for information about the on-the-run suspect, who was pictured wearing a hat and a light-coloured jacket.
'Police are looking to identify this man. He is suspected of having committed the attack at Zaventem on Tuesday March 22,' it said.
It also emerged this afternoon that police had discovered another nail bomb, a number of 'chemical products' and an ISIS flag at a house in the Schaerbeek area during a raid in connection with this morning's attacks.
Police conducted dozens of raids and swooped on a number of suspects as the Belgian Foreign Ministry said many of those behind the terror plot are 'still at large'.
It came after the world today woke up to yet another deadly terror attack in Europe - just four months after 130 people were massacred in Paris.
In all too familiar scenes, terrifying photos showed bloodied victims and maimed bodies after two bombs were detonated at Brussels' main airport.
Just 79 minutes later, commuters on their way to work lost limbs as a third bomb tore apart a train carriage on the Metro line in Maelbeek - killing 14.
Horrifying pictures, many of which resemble the heartbreaking devastation seen in the wake of the London 7/7 bombings, show innocent commuters covered in blood and sprawled out on the floor after being targeted in the attack.
Europe now remains on high alert amid fears of further attacks from ISIS, which has already threatened to hit the UK 'harder and more bitter'.
In a statement released today following the Brussels attack, the terrorist group said on its official Telegram account: 'We promise to the states that are allied against the Islamic State that they will face dark days in return for their aggression against our state.
'And what will await you will become harder and more bitter through the grace of Allah.
'In praise of Allah who has made our blows precise and helped us succeed. we demand for him to accept our brothers among the martyrs.'
Brussels now remains on lockdown with police desperately carrying out a series of anti-terror raids in a city which has already been deemed a 'clearing house for jihadism'. More jihadis have travelled from Belgium to fight for ISIS in Syria and Iraq than have gone from any other European country.
In the wake of November's Paris massacres, it emerged that those behind the attacks masterminded them from Brussels leading French media to heavily criticise the Belgian authorities.
Bomber Salah Abdeslam, who was finally arrested on Friday, had links with the Brussels district of Moelenbeek - an area with a large North African population - whose mayor once described it a 'terrorists' den' because of the number of jihadists living there.
In light of today's attacks, two people in Brussels were arrested at gunpoint outside the city's North railway station, a mile from the Maelbeek subway.
Another man was also taken into custody by armed police at Brussels South railway station near the suburb of Schaerbeek.
German media reported that three men were arrested on suspicion of terror offences on a motorway between Munich and Salzburg.
The men were said to have been Kosovans who had travelled from Brussels, and the Office of Criminal Police of Bavaria said inquiries were ongoing.
Another person was also arrested on a train near Amsterdam, while hours later shots were fired at the Dutch capital's main train station during an arrest attempt. Police later confirmed the arrests in Amsterdam were not related to Brussels and the suspects were detained on suspected drug offences.
A suspect package found at Gard du Nord in Paris also delayed Eurostar services this afternoon.
First picture: These three men, pretending to be air passengers, are believed to the terrorists who have carried out the Brussels airport. The two suspected suicide bombers on the left were both wearing black gloves - which the Belgian media says would have hidden the triggers for their explosive vests. The third suspect in the hat is believed to still be on the run after dropping his nail bomb
Panic: A fire caused by one of the explosions in the terminal is tackled by airport staff with extinguishers surrounded by baggage and falling roof tiles
Obliterated: Ceiling tiles and debris are littered across the floor of the terminal building after twins blast rocked the check-in area
A soldier walks through debris after two explosion rocked a terminal building at Brussels Airport - but security sources say Belgian police already have CCTV of at least one bomber and the explosion
Spine chilling screams echo through Brussels airport terminal
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MailOnline revealed earlier today that security services already have CCTV of one of today's Brussels airport bombers including the moment he detonated his suicide belt.
Every space in the city's airport is covered by four CCTV cameras, including the departures hall where at least 14 were killed.
Maelbeek station's surveillance network is also being used to pinpoint the moment that 20 people were murdered 79 minutes later.
Police are already trawling through hours of CCTV footage filmed before and after the deadly explosions as they hunt for those behind the attacks.
The carnage began at 8am today when two suspected nail bombs were set off in the check-in area of Brussels airport. A third unexploded suicide belt was found in the rubble. Just 79 minutes later a bomb blew up an underground train.
Shocking images from Maelbeek station show the mangled remains of the train, smoke pouring out of the building and casualties littered on the pavement outside - just 400metres from the EU's headquarters.
The bomb went off at 9.19am - just over an hour after two explosions killed at least 14 in a suicide attack on the Belgian capital's main airport.
The British Foreign Office confirmed two Britons were injured in the explosions, while three American missionaries from Utah were also seriously hurt.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'Embassy staff are providing consular assistance to two injured Britons and are ready to support any further British nationals that have been affected. British nationals should follow the advice of local security authorities and check our travel advice for updates.'
Mormon church officials said the three missionaries from Utah were Richard Norby, 66, Joseph Empey, 20, and Mason Wells, 19. Mr Empey is said to be recovering well after being treated for second-degree burns to his hands, face and head as well as shrapnel injuries.
Brussels' public transport authority has revealed that the three-carriage train at Maelbeek was ripped apart by a single explosion, with the bomb set off in its middle carriage. It is not known if it was a suicide attack or a planted bomb.
Christian Delhasse, the driver of the Metro train, told Belgian broadcaster RTBF: 'Seeing bodies on the floor, it leaves a mark on you.
'I did what I had to do. Nothing happened to me, no injuries.'
Explosion: The image above is being used by the Belgian media who claim this is the damage caused by the bomb at the Maelbeek Metro station in central Brussels this morning. It has not been verified by the authorities but is being widely circulated on social media.
Dramatic moment armed police arrest two men in central Brussels
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Surrounded: Two men on their knees with hands on their head are held in Brussels as the authorities
Drama: Two men were pinned to the ground by armed police and special forces as the hunt for members of the terror cell behind today's bombings in Brussels started
Interventions: The arrests came as the authorities start to round up any people deemed a risk to the public, including here at Brussels North station - a mile from the Maelbeek bombing
Across the border: A suspect with his hands up is arrested as he is taken off a train because of suspicious activity at Hoofddorp Station in Amsterdam
Shocked passengers treat wounded next to initial blast zone
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TIMELINE OF TERROR: HOW THREE BOMB BLASTS ROCKED BRUSSELS
8am: Two explosions rock Zaventem Airport killing 14 people near the check-in desks
8am onwards: Terrified passengers seen streaming out of the terminal building in Brussels while flights are diverted to other airports
8.30am: Witnesses describe blasts so powerful that victims were thrown in to the air
9.19am: A third bomb blast rips through Maalbeek Metro station killing 20 more people
9.23am: Eurostar services in and out of Brussels are suspended
11am: Belgian prosecutors Fredere Van Leeuw confirmed that the three explosions were terror attacks
11am: Two suspects arrested one mile away from Metro Station blast
12pm: A Kalashnikov and unexploded suicide bomb vest are found in the rubble at the airport
1.50pm: Dutch Police stop international train from Brussels to Amsterdam at a station just one stop from Holland's Schiphol Airport as a precaution and search the train and its passengers
3pm: Belgian TV station reports at least one of the bombs at the Brussels airport contained nails
4.40pm: ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in Brussels
Commuters on the Metro at the time described hearing a loud bang before they were evacuated from trains and forced to walk down smoke-filled tunnels and along the track to the closest safe station.
A witness said: 'We left Maelbeek station towards the centre at around 9.07, 9.10, when we felt an explosion which appeared to come from the front of the train.
'The lights went off, there was panic given what happened at Brussels airport.
'The doors of the train were forced open to get off the train. There was a lot of smoke. We left via Maelbeek station. The glass doors were blown out. The explosion must have been enormous.'
Emergency services at the scene were carrying the dead and injured out of the station on stretchers.
Alexandre Brans, 32, who was wiping blood from his face, said: 'The metro was leaving Maelbeek station when there was a really loud explosion.
'It was panic everywhere. There were a lot of people in the metro.'
20 people are said to have been killed at the Metro bombing at 9.19am.
Brussels resident Shigeo Sugimoto said he was one stop away from where the metro was hit and heard people shouting.
He wrote on Facebook: 'I am fine !! But i was in the metro when suddenly some one start shouting 'explosions!!! Evacuation!!!
'Ouch!!! I was just one station ahead before when explosion happened !!!!!!!!'
He posted pictures showing cars and people standing in the road and wrote: 'Maerbeek (sic) now apocalypse!!!'
Mr Sugimoto said he saw a man with blood on his face in the vicinity of Maelbeek station in the EU quarter, near the European Commission's main building.
He was at Arts-Loi station, one ahead of Maelbeek, and told the Press Association: 'On the ground, there were already people walking every direction to distance (themselves) from metro and the Belgian army were there trying to make people calm.
'I saw a guy, blood over his face, dragged by another person. Then police start blocking the street and I could only see ambulances go and come.'
Evan Lamos was among the thousands of commuters on tube trains this morning when the network was attacked.
He was two stops away from Maelbeek and the passengers on his train were evacuated from the carriages into a smoke-filled tunnel and then walked along the tracks to the exit at the nearest station.
He said: 'There was a dull thud. We felt a blast of air and my ears popped shortly afterwards. The Metro stopped immediately'.
Mr Lamos was told that there was 'an incident on the line', suggesting that a train may have been bombed.
Paramedics tend to injured metro passengers in Brussels
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Victim: A bloodied commuter is given oxygen and treated for a head injury on the kerb outside the Metro station where a train was blown up today
Children screaming while being evacuated from Brussels Metro
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Survivors: Commuters on the Metro at the time described hearing a loud bang before they were evacuated from trains (pictured)
Panic: Commuters in the Metro described a bang, and a rush of air that made their ears pop before they tore open the train doors and walked down the track to the closest station
Aftermath: A man lies stricken on the pavement as survivors kiss in relief after surviving the bombing, which has killed at least ten
Emergency: A victim is treated under a blanket to keep them warm next to a woman with a head injury as rescue workers treat victims outside the Maelbeek underground station
Bravery: People injured are treated, comforted and given water by the emergency services as they help the wounded
Ian McCafferty was on the Metro when the explosion took place in Maelbeek.
He told Sky News: 'I was getting off at the station before Maelbeek and we heard a very loud thud. The stations are much closer together than in London so we heard it clearly.
'Panic set in and people rushed off the train. We ran to the stairs and were met by soldiers who quickly evacuated the station'.
The explosions came just a day after the Belgium Interior Minister warned of possible revenge attacks after the arrest of Paris massacre suspect Salah Abdeslam in the city last week.
At the airport, shouts in Arabic were reportedly heard before the explosions which sent shockwaves through the terminal building, shattering windows, knocking roof tiles off the ceiling and sending terrified passengers running for their lives.
Samir Derrouich, who works at a restaurant in the airport, told MailOnline: 'The two explosions were almost simultaneous.
'They were both at check in desk. One was close to the Starbucks. It was awful. There was just blood. It was like the apocalypse.'
Photographs from inside the arrivals hall showed the floor covered in fallen tiles and dust as bloodied people hobbled out of the airport. Others injured were photographed lying on the floor.
Video shows terrified passengers running for their lives out of the terminal.
In the aftermath of the explosions at the airport, thousands of people waiting for flights this morning were penned inside the terminal as police sealed off the shattered arrivals hall.
Chilling footage taken seconds after Brussels Airport blasts
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A terrified passenger cowers under a check-in desk moments after two explosions rocked Brussels Airport in a suicide bomb attack today
Passengers shield themselves under bags as smoke and debris fill the terminal in the moments after the twin blast at Brussels Airport
A police officer directs passengers in a smoke filled terminal at Brussels Airport after two explosions ripped through the terminal
Firefighters search the terminal for explosives and survivors (left) as Brazilian-born basketballer Sebastien Bellin lies injured on the floor
Carnage: At least eleven people have died and several injured after two explosions rocked Brussels Airport in a suspected terror attack
Injured passengers are covered in blood and dust after the explosions in the terminal building
Shouts in Arabic were reportedly heard before the explosions which sent shockwaves through the terminal building, shattering windows
Blown out: The explosions sent shock waves through the terminal building, shattering windows and knocking roof tiles off the ceiling
Hundreds of terrified passengers ran from the terminal, some of them covered in blood, after the blasts rocked the building at 8am
Blast zone: The two bombs are believed to have gone off in these areas of the arrivals hall, as thousands were checking in for flights
Firefighters who entered the shattered building are said to have found a third unexploded device. This has since been deactivated at Brussels airport, an official said. Reports this evening also suggest a fourth undetonated bomb was also found after further searches among the rubble.
People already checked-in were slowly evacuated through emergency exits following the blasts – but were told to leave all their hand luggage as police checked bags for more explosives.
Evacuated air passengers were ferried onto buses and driven to a 'crisis centre' away from the airport. Women and children were moved first.
Pauline Deglume tweeted: 'My godfather is located at the airport and said he saw dismembered bodies everywhere.'
Dries Valaert, 30, was waiting to get his boarding pass from a check in desk when the blast struck.
He told MailOnline: 'There was a first blast and then ten seconds later a second explosion. It was a big big blast, the ceiling went down. It was just 30 metres from where I was.
'I saw people down on the ground and I just went running. I jumped over the security fences towards the departure gates as I thought it would be safer.
My first intuition was to get out in case their were attackers with guns. I saw a woman around 18 years old with a hole in her hand with blood pouring out and a man with an injured ankle and two people down. There was lots of panic. People were running all over the place.'
Mr Valaert, who was flying to a business meeting in Berlin, said he believed the bombs were hidden in suitcases that had just been checked in.
He said: 'The explosions were just behind the service desks, they were blown towards us. To me it is the most realistic possibility. I don't think it was someone with a suicide vest.'
Tribute: People stood in front of the Brandenburg gate in Berlin, which is illuminated in the colours of the Belgian flag this evening
In mourning: The Eiffel Tower in Paris illuminated in colours of the Belgian flag in tribute to the victims of terrorist attacks in Brussels
Crowds pay tribute at Bourse Square in Brussels after attacks
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Je Suis Bruxelles: People hold up a banner as a mark of solidarity at the Place de la Bourse following today's attacks in Brussels, Belgium
In honour and memory: Scores of people bring flowers and candles to mourn for the victims at Place de la Bourse in the centre of Brussels
Rest in peace: A young girl lights a candle at the Place de la Bourse following today's attacks in Brussels, in which 31 people were killed
In loving memory: Candles are lit and dozens of touching notes left in honour of the 31 people who were killed in today's Brussels attack
Young and old: Mourners of all ages turned out to the Place de la Bourse in Brussels today to pay tribute to those were tragically killed
Solidarity: Mourners lay candles at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels this evening following the terror attacks which have rocked the world
Armed police in protective clothing combed the building for more wounded travellers and suspicious bags. All flights are being diverted from the airport as it remains on lockdown.
Maelbeek is the station that most EU workers use daily.
The European Commission's vice-president Kristalina Georgieva said meetings were cancelled and urged people to 'stay home or inside buildings'.
The metro station is close to the commission's Berlaymont headquarters, the European Parliament and the European Council's Justus Lipsius building in the Belgian capital.
Ms Georgieva said on Twitter: 'Following situation in Brussels. EU institutions working together to ensure security of staff& premises.Please stay home or inside buildings.
'All EU institutions are at alert level ORANGE - all meetings on premises and outside cancelled, access only for staff with badges.'
Police and special forces are looking for known members of any terror cell who may be planning more attacks.
They will also round up anyone who may pose a threat to the public, or acting suspiciously, in an attempt to foil any more attacks.
Special forces are also patrolling the streets in case of more bombings or marauding gunmen used to kill 131 people in at least five Paris attacks in November 13 last year.
Britain and United States will already be playing a key role in trying to help the Belgian authorities work out who was behind the attacks.
Both MI5 and the CIA have stations in Brussels and its teams have 'unique expertise' that will help trace those behind the bombings.
The National Crime Agency, Britain's FBI, will also be in the city already because of the heightened terror threat.
Tech specialists will be scanning the phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, GPS records and forums known to be used by terrorists - and tracing links to Britain and America.
Anti-terror raids: A Belgian police officer is seen searching an apartment in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels this evening after the attacks
Out in force: Belgian police and security personnel are seen during a series of anti-terror raids in Schaerbeek, Brussels, this evening
Anti-terror police: Detectives found an ISIS flag, chemical products and another nail bomb at a house during a raid in Schaerbeek tonight
Tracking down the suspects: A police sharpshooter takes aim from a helicopter hovering over Brussels' rooftops following today's attacks
Guarding the skies: A police helicopter hovers over Brussels following today's deadly bomb attacks which killed 24 and injured around 200
Police seen looking for suspects linked to Brussels attacks
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Collecting evidence? Police search for evidence and empty a public bin near the Maelbeek metro station which was bombed earlier today
Combing the verge: Police detectives were today out in force to gather evidence which could help find those behind today's atrocities
On the ground: Police officers were seen gathering evidence and combing the grassy area near Maelbeek tube station this afternoon
PM David Cameron: We will never let the terrorists win
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WAS FUGITIVE PARIS 'BOMB MAKER' BEHIND THE BRUSSELS BLASTS? TERROR EXPERT CLAIMS USE OF 'MULTIPLE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES' BEARS ALL THE HALLMARKS OF THE ISIS CELL THAT TARGETED THE FRENCH CAPITAL
The suspected bombmaker responsible for the Paris massacre was very likely behind today's Brussels blasts, a top terror expert has claimed.
Rafaello Pantucci, the Director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, said the use of 'multiple, viable explosive devices' bore all the hallmarks of the co-ordinated bomb attacks that killed 130 in the French capital.
It also indicated that possibly more than one experienced bombmaker was involved, he added.
Najim Laachraoui, who is believed to have gone on the run after Paris logistics chief Salah Abdeslam's capture.
Police issued this photograph of Najim Laachraoui, one of the suspects of the Paris terror attacks who has gone on the run
He said: 'We don't know much about him at this point. This individual is being identified as a bomb maker but we have concerns whether that is 100 per cent true or if he's one of a number of bomb makers.
'This terrorist group in Brussels had multiple, viable explosive devices. It suggests they were dealing with someone with substantial experience.
'That could be the same person responsible for the bomb devices in the Paris attacks but it could be someone else, part of a larger cell.
'Given the location and the nature and the use of explosives and guns the thought process goes down the page of assuming it's linked to the organised network around Abdeslam.
'We can't be sure but it would be surprising if it wasn't the same group.'
A friend of Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who masterminded the November 2015 Paris attacks, told police that the jihadi claimed he was among 90 'kamikaze' terrorists who smuggled themselves across the Mediterranean with migrants and refugees.
Armed presence: A soldier with his face covered guards a road near the Maalbeek subway station as they try to stop any further attacks
Deployment: Scores of armed forces have flooded the streets of Brussels as suspects remain at large
Since the Paris attacks, Scotland Yard has had officers in the French capital as well as in Brussels when it emerged the attackers were based in the Belgian capital.
These British officers, and diplomats, will be helping with the investigation.
Armed police have been deployed to airports, train stations, ports and border crossings around the world in the immediate aftermath of today's suspected suicide attacks in Brussels.
From New York to Moscow, security measures were stepped up at transport hubs across the globe with police and military personnel carrying out extra high-visibility patrols and additional checks.
The border between France and Belgium was closed, Eurostar services in and out of Brussels were suspended and airlines to and from other destinations were warning passengers of potential disruption as the effects of this morning's terror attacks were felt around the world.
Train and bus stations, ports and road checkpoints were also put on high alert, with armed police on the streets in major global cities including London and New York, sniffer dogs deployed and extensive border checks put in place.
London mayor Boris Johnson said there would be an increased security presence at transport hubs in the city, while the country's most senior counter-terrorism officer Mark Rowley said police forces across the UK had increased their presence at key locations as a precaution in the wake of the Brussels attacks.
And in the US, the NYPD said it would be increasing security measures at mass transit points, bridges and tunnels, and other landmarks following today's attacks.
Police and soldiers carrying guns were also seen at airports in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, while in France - still shaken from the November attacks in Paris - officers remained on high alert.
Troops have also been deployed other key locations across Brussels as Belgium raised its security level to 'maximum' in the wake of the attacks.
The entire border between Belgium and France was placed on lock-down, and the Thalys train service - which travels between France, Belgium and the Netherlands - was halted in the wake of the explosions, the operator said.
Scenes of carnage inside Brussels Airport following bomb blasts
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Dutch military police were carrying out additional high-visibility patrols at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam
Armed officers make their way through the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras station in London. There was an increased security presence at transport hubs across the city
Eurostar passengers at London's St Pancras cancel their trips
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SECURITY SERVICES FEARED BLOODY TERRORIST ATTACK IN BRUSSELS SINCE ARREST OF FAILED PARIS BOMBER
By David Williams for MailOnline
Europe's security services had feared a bloody terrorist outrage in Brussels since the high-profile arrest of Paris failed suicide bomber Salah Abdeslam (pictured) in the city four days ago
Europe's security services had feared a bloody terrorist outrage in Brussels since the high-profile arrest of Paris failed suicide bomber Salah Abdeslam in the city four days ago.
Intelligence officers today described the attacks in the Belgian capital as 'sadly expected' both as a 'revenge' for the arrest of Europe's most wanted man but also ironically because the jihadists knew that he could betray them.
For while the Brussels-born Islamist had become a symbol of defiance for the jihadist movement and Islamic State during his extraordinary four months on the run under the noses of Belgium's biggest manhunt, his dramatic arrest on a street in the Molenbeek district of the city also signalled the net could be closing on those he had plotted with.
Crucially, Belgian investigators had already suggested that Abdeslam was co-operating with them and his fellow jihadists would have known that he could betray them – and their plans.
Intelligence officers told MailOnline the concerns of his fellow terrorists would have been fuelled by the fact that twice Abdeslam had 'pulled back' from killing himself by triggering a suicide vest – once in Paris and again on the day of his arrest.
'This showed a weakness, a desire to live which would have been played on during questioning,' an anti-terror specialist said today.
'He was not a man showing inner strength and the capacity to withstand interrogation, this meant that if those involved in today's attacks were known to him they believed they had to activate their plans before they too were arrested and their weapons seized.'
Mobile telephones, laptops and CCTV footage recovered from the basement apartment Abdeslam was hiding in are also likely to have provided clues as to the identities and locations of fellow terror suspects, many of them living in Molenbeek which is seen by many investigators as being the 'heart' of IS operations in Europe .
'At this stage we can't be sure those behind today's attacks are directly associated with Abdeslam but it is certainly fair to say the suicide attacks will be linked to his detention,' the anti-terror specialist added.
'They send a clear message to the authorities that they have arrested a well-known suspect but there are many more out there prepared to do what Abdeslam was not willing to do : blow himself up. They will know that this is the hardest thing to stop and there are still a lot of explosive devices out there.'
He added: 'There is the obvious fear that this is only the beginning of attacks against soft targets both in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe. A departure lounge, like a tube station, is an easy target but it also has the 'advantage' from the terrorist perspective of a focused attack – the chances are there would be Americans – the priority for IS - waiting to check-in at an American Airlines desk.'
Abdeslam is believed to be the sole survivor of the 10 men who were directly involved in the attacks that killed 130 people in and around Paris on November 13.
A suicide vest was said to have been found in the Molenbeek flat where Abdeslam had been sheltered and similar devices have been seized in other raids as well as having been used in the Stade de France bombings last November.
It is in this district that much of the investigation into the Brussels attacks will initially focus with Belgian officers – severely criticised for their embarrassing failure to arrest one of the world's most wanted men when he was living just a few streets from his old home – seeking to identify the suicide bombers.
They will be aided by the fact that both Zaventem airport and the underground are extensively covered by security cameras which are believed to have captured at least one of the bombers shortly before the suicide belt was triggered.
Officers will work on tracing back the movements of the bombers from their targets to the minutes before, identifying how they travelled - were they dropped off and if so, by who ? Did they use public transport or a private car as in the Paris atrocities ?
They will seek to answer when the bombers travelled, how they concealed their devices and whether they were linked to so-called 'chatter' monitored by security officials pointing towards an attack in some form.
Police will seek to discover where they began their journey – and if they were on the radar of Belgian and French investigators or if they were so-called 'clean skins' not previously known to police. A number of 'sleeper cells' are suspected to be hiding in Belgium.
At least two suspected terror cells are said to have been under surveillance by the Belgian authorities while French police are said to be monitoring dozens of men and women 'of interest' in and around Paris.
The UK's communication headquarters in Cheltenham is said to have been helping with the monitoring of messages sent from Syria and Iraq to Europe. Intelligence is said to have been 'shared' with Belgium, France, Germany and Holland as well as the United States in recent days.
