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A police officer has been stabbed to death and another injured in a suspected terror attack in Brussels. Belgian police said the suspected attacker was shot and “neutralized” after the attack near Brussels North train station at around 19:15 local time on Thursday. “One of our patrols was attacked by a man armed with a knife,” a police spokesman said. “The two policemen then called for reinforcements. An officer from another patrol used his firearm to neutralize the assailant. “The two injured detectives and the assailant were taken to the hospital.” Police officers stand guard at the scene of the stabbing (BELGA/AFP/Getty Images) Le Soir newspaper reported that the policeman who died was stabbed in the neck and was pronounced dead in hospital. A judicial official, who could not be named because the investigation is ongoing, told The Associated Press that “a terrorist attack is suspected.” The official did not provide further details. According to Belgian media, the attacker shouted “Allahu akbar”, the Arabic phrase for “God is great”. However, this was not immediately confirmed by local prosecutors. Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre De Croix released a message of condolence to the family and friends of the dead officer, saying: “Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today’s tragedy proves it once again.” Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said she was in contact with the mayor of Brussels, the police chief and security services to coordinate the response to the attack. “Such violence against our people is unacceptable,” he said.
