MANCHESTER has responded to this morning’s attack at Brussels with both condolences to victims and a word of warning for worried travellers.
The alleged terrorist attack first took place at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels before a further attack occurred at Maalbeek station in central Brussels.
Reports suggest 31 people have died with a great deal more thought to have been injured across both locations.
The airport has subsequently closed indefinitely and the Eurostar to Belgium is not in operation as authorities majorly increase security units at airports and travel destinations across the country and the continent.
Moments after the news surfaced there has been – much like there was following the terrorist attacks in Paris last year – an outpouring of emotion and pathos given for victims and their families.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
We, like the rest of the world, are again in shock to hear of the attack in Brussels. Extreme violence like this resonates through the cities of the world, but we must hold on to the ideals of peace at these terrible times. Our sympathy is with the families of those affected and our solidarity with the people of Belgium.”
The so-called Islamic State (IS) group said it was behind today’s attacks in a statement issued on the IS-linked Amaq agency.
The bombings come just four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Brussels for plotting a similar attack to which was orchestrated on Paris.
Belgium has raised its terrorism alert to its highest level. Three days of national mourning have been declared.
In response to this morning's events at Brussels Airport, the police presence has been increased in landside areas at Manchester Airport.
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) March 22, 2016
The thoughts of everyone at Manchester City are with those in Brussels today.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 22, 2016
Full @gmpolice statement following Brussels attacks. No specific threat to Manchester but patrols increased: pic.twitter.com/6IBxpC7Aj7
— Josh Halliday (@JoshHalliday) March 22, 2016
The University of Salford‘s terrorist expert, Dr James Coran, provided a comment on the impact today’s events could have following the rebuild of Charlie Hebdo and Paris.
“The coordinated nature of the attacks in Brussels shows an impressive degree of planning and preparation, which shows that ISIS and affiliates remain a serious threat to the security of Western nations.
“In almost every case of major attacks in the US and Europe in the last four years we find that the attackers are already known and are on the police ‘radar screen’ for radical connections. The approach of some European governments, of allowing ‘no go zones’ in cities – something that is common in both Belgium and France – is a big enabler for terrorist groups.
“Unfortunately, the Western policy of pinprick bombing of ISIS is not likely to work to deter ISIS or even to limit ISIS’ capabilities.”
Investigations remain in the early stages but security at high profile areas such as airports and train stations is likely to remain on high alert for the coming days.
By Nathan Salt
@NathSalt1
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