Anderson and Dodds unhurt in attack in middle of European Quarter

DUP MEP Dianne Dodds says Brussels is in lockdown after this morning's terrorist attacks, one of which hit the Maalbeek Metro station, just around the corner from the Berlaymont and the European Parliament.
Picture taken with permission from the Facebook site of Jef Versele showing the aftermath of this morning's explosions at Brussels airportPicture taken with permission from the Facebook site of Jef Versele showing the aftermath of this morning's explosions at Brussels airport
Picture taken with permission from the Facebook site of Jef Versele showing the aftermath of this morning's explosions at Brussels airport

Waterside-based MEP Martina Anderson was on the way to the city for a two-day celebration of the 1916 Easter Rising, which was due to place in the European Parliament over Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Real sense of shock and fear here in Brussels. City in lockdown. Thoughts/prayers with those caught up in these senseless acts of terrorism,” tweeted Mrs Dodds.

Mrs Anderson was in England waiting to travel when the terrorists struck.

“Delegation going to Brussels from North is still in England - all safe and sound - thoughts and prayers with those injured in Brussels airport,” she tweeted.

Belgian media reported that two blasts hit the departures area at Zaventem airport at 8am.

At 9am there was another explosion at the Maalbeek Metro station, which is on the main line between central Brussels and Schuman, the heart of the European Quarter of the city.

At least 13 people were killed.

The bombers struck just around the corner from popular Irish pub, Kitty O’Shea’s and just a mile from where Karl Marx wrote ‘The Communist Manifesto.’

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