Brussels explosions: '˜31 dead, 170 hurt' | Manhunt for terror suspect

CCTV footage of three men believed to have been involved in the Brussels Airport attacks. Picture: AFP/Belgian Federal Police

A manhunt was under way last night for a terrorist suspect believed to be on the run after co-ordinated bomb attacks in Brussels killed at least 31 people and injured almost 200 others, many seriously.

Belgian police issued an image of the man who was one of three suspects captured on CCTV pushing a luggage trolley through Zaventem airport minutes before two bombs exploded. His two accomplices are believed to have died in the blasts in the airport check-in area at 8am local time yesterday, killing 11 people.

An hour later, an explosion struck the Maelbeek Metro station near the European Union headquarters, leaving 20 people dead. Terrified passengers were led through smoke-filled tunnels to safety.

A third device found at the airport was deactivated.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the atrocity that left the Belgian capital in lockdown, just months after Paris was hit by a series of deadly attacks.

The bombings were described as “blind, violent and cowardly” by the Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel.

“What we feared has happened,” he said. “In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity.”

He added that the attacks hit “the lives of people who were most likely travelling without a care in the world, going to work or to school – lives that have been broken by extremism.”

The aftermath of this morning's explosions at Brussels airport. Picture: PA

As Belgium raised its terrorism alert to the highest level, other European countries, including the UK, tightened security at airports and other transport hubs.

British police forces said they would be boosting numbers at “key locations”.

World leaders united to voice their support for Belgium. David Cameron branded the atrocities “appalling” and a spokesman said Britain was sending a team of specialist police officers to Brussels to assist with the investigation.

Downing Street also confirmed that two British nationals are believed to have been injured in the attacks.