‘Terrorist threat’ suspect arrested, arms seized in Brussels
The Brussels prosecutor’s office has confirmed that a large security operation which put the Schaerbeek area of the city on lockdown Monday was an anti-terrorist operation in which one person was arrested.
A 34-year-old man was detained Monday morning in the area of Liedts, Schaerbeek without incident while several items, including firearms and a computer were seized, the prosecutor in the case said, RTL Info reports.
Un homme de 34ans arrêté hier à #Schaerbeek. Des armes et du matériel informatique retrouvés. Pas d'explosifs. Il sera déféré devant juge. pic.twitter.com/5eWObn3QwC
— Quentin Warlop (@quentinwarlop) December 20, 2016
Opérations policières hier à #Schaerbeek : un suspect interpellé @FalqueGautierpic.twitter.com/EmbUa6ez60
— Contact News (@ContactNews) December 20, 2016
The explosive devices removal unit also assisted in the operation, examining a suspicious package. No explosives were found in the package or elsewhere in the searched premises.
The man is suspected of posing terrorist threats and will be brought before a judge today.
BRUXELLES : Plusieurs rues de Schaerbeek ont été bouclées par la police, des opérations sont en cours près de la place Liedts (@rtlinfo). pic.twitter.com/MrUXAIN1zS
— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrancaises) December 19, 2016
A number of streets were sealed off in the Schaerbeek area for a time Monday evening while people were escorted back to their homes by police.
The services of five tram lines were also halted for a period at the order of police.
READ MORE: Brussels police carry out security operation in Schaerbeek
The Federal Prosecutor's Office has said no further comments will be made in relation to the investigation.
