Brussels police open fire on car ‘with explosives inside’

Brussels police shot at a car during a high-speed chase through the streets of Molenbeek, with the driver openly admitting to the police that he was carrying explosives on board the vehicle.

Media reports quote police spokesman Johan Berckmans stating that “we pulled out the driver, who directly stated that there were explosives on board”.

The car was a Citroen Picasso, registered in Germany.

The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office released a statement confirming the suspect's arrest at 6pm local time.

"The man was driving suspiciously and failed to stop at a traffic light. When the police arrested him, he claimed to have explosives so not to take any risk, the army has been called in to check."

A security perimeter was set up between Rue de Dilbeek and the Gare de l'Ouest, according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Staff and customers at a nearby DIY shop, Brico, were not allowed to leave until police secured the scene, while several bus routes were diverted.

No injuries were reported.