All Warwick students in Brussels are safe

The University of Warwick has confirmed that all students spending time on their year abroad in Brussels have been reached and found to be safe.

Many were not currently in Brussels today, having travelled to other locations during the holiday period.

Earlier today, Brussels suffered terrorist attacks at both Zaventem Airport at around 7.20 am GMT and Maelbeek Metro Station, near to the EU headquarters, around an hour later.

There were two bombs at the airport, of which at least one was a suicide bomb, and one at the station.

Transport officials in Brussels have stated that 15 died at the station and 13 at the airport. Many more were injured and casualty numbers may rise.

The attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, wanted for his role in the Paris terror attacks, was arrested in Brussels.

According to BBC News, the city is now ‘in lock-down’, with no public transport running and people being encouraged to stay put rather than travel.

A statement on Warwick’s School of Modern Languages and Cultures’ website read in part: “This situation has been reported as a terrorist attack, and the Belgian ministry has placed the country on maximum alert.

“We are asking all our students in Brussels and Belgium at the moment to confirm immediately their safety for us, as your welfare is our first priority.

“Brussels hosts a number of international institutions (EU and NATO), as well as government and foreign embassy buildings, which are sensitive locations. Please be vigilant at this time.”

The statement continued: “Our deepest sympathies go to anyone affected by these latest outrages.”

A statement from the University included the following: “The University is shocked and saddened to learn of events in Brussels and sends its profound sympathy to all those affected.

“Personal tutors and the Office for Global Engagement are providing support.”