Brussels and its region have been placed on the maximum level of security alert, level 4. The rest of Belgium is on level 3.
Paris fugitive still at large
The alarm was raised when intelligence suggested a heavily-armed Salah Abdelslam had returned to the city following the attacks a week ago.
The 26-year-old is believed to be hiding in the area, possibly having assumed a new identity.
He is wanted in connection with last week’s attacks in Paris and is thought to be directly involved with the bombings at the Stade de France or the shootings at bars and restaurants in the north-east of the French capital.
Threat is “serious and imminent”
Describing the threat as “serious and imminent”, officials have advised the public to avoid crowded areas.
The metro system has been closed as have museums, cinemas and shopping malls.
Security officials will review the status of alert on Sunday.
The National Security Council will decide what measures to extend.
Even the city’s iconic Grand Place is deserted, a month before Christmas.
The country is holding its breath to find out if the blanket security measures will be extended into the working week.
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