Brussels On Lockdown As Police Raid City For Paris Terror Attackers

Belgian police and soldiers have carried out raids in central Brussels tonight, evacuating hotels and restaurants, and warning residents to stay away from windows. The police operation is believed to have occurred around the Rue de Midi street and the city’s main square, the Grand Place, tonight.

Early reports from the area said residents were told to stay away from their windows, while others were escorted out of nearby restaurants.

Local media reported guests at the Radisson Blu hotel and Hotel Windsor Grande Place had been told to stay indoors, while soldiers were photographed at the buildings.

It is not yet known what sparked the raids.

It comes as it was announced the city would be locked down for a third day tomorrow with the Prime Minister warning of an imminent attack taking place over several areas by terrorists armed with guns and explosives.

Charles Michel, the Prime Minister, said schools, universities and the underground system would have to remain closed tomorrow.

Paris fugitive Salah Abdeslam is just one of several feared to be at large in the city, where the usually thronged streets have been eerily quiet after the country was moved to its highest level of security alert.

Belgium closed the metro system, museums, cinemas and shopping centres, and advised locals to avoid large crowds, while clubs and venues have cancelled events.

Abdeslam, who has been described as ‘armed and dangerous’, went on the run after taking part in the massacre of 130 in Paris last Friday.

His brother Mohamed, who was arrested following the attacks only to be released without charge, believes he backed out of the attack ‘at the very last moment’.