A shotgun and several bladed weapons have been found in the car of a man who tried to drive at high speed through a busy shopping street in Antwerp, forcing pedestrians to jump out of the way.
The federal prosecutor’s office said the car was intercepted at the port docks and a Frenchman living in France was arrested.
The bomb squad was brought in and the authorities raised security in the centre of town, in places where people normally gather.
In the car, authorities said they found knives, a shotgun and a gas can with an unknown liquid.
The office said “because of these elements, and the events in London yesterday, the case is being taken on by the federal prosecutor’s office,” which usually deals with extremist attacks.
A spokesperson for Antwerp Police told The Independent: “Police intercepted the car at around 11am this morning.
“There were no injuries and one man was arrested. The incident is under investigation.”
Antwerp police chief Serge Muyters said the driver of the car was detained once it was stopped. No further information could be given.
Prime minister Charles Michel said: “We remain vigilant. Our security services have done excellent work.”
source: independent.co.uk