Police extra alert at Brussels’ Christmas market after Strasbourg

Belgium has not raised its terrorist alert level following the shooting at the Strasbourg Christmas market yesterday, but the police have been instructed to be ‘extra vigilant’ at Winter Wonders in Brussels.

A man opened fire in the area of the French city’s Christmas market yesterday evening, killing two people and injuring 11 more. Strasbourg mayor Roland Ries announced that it was a terrorist attack. The suspect is still at large.

The attack has no link with Belgium, but Brussels-City mayor Philippe Close met with the chief of the Brussels-City-Ixelles police zone to assess the situation at Brussels’ Christmas market. Police have been instructed to be extra vigilant for any suspicious activity and to be especially present in the most crowded areas.

Both uniformed and undercover police have been present at the event since it kicked-off on 30 November. Other precautions have also been taken, such as cement blocks and special fencing to prevent vehicles from entering the market areas during opening hours.