An explosion roused residents of the De Bosschaertstraat in Antwerp at around 5 o'clock this morning after someone left an explosive device in a car. The car was completely gutted by fire. Several surrounding properties were also damaged. According to a local resident, there is a link to the drug scene. "Just a while ago, the police raided the house next to the car that was damaged," the woman said.
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Explosion rocks Antwerp’s Kiel district as links to the drug trade are mooted
Colin Clapson
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"Someone placed or threw an explosive into a vehicle that was parked outside the building," Wouter Bruyns of Antwerp police explained.
"The explosive went off and the car was completely gutted by fire. There is also damage to the building in front of which the car had been parked. A house opposite was also slightly damaged. We are now trying to determine in which context this incident occurred. Forensic scientists will examine the spot in the search for leads."
Car owner has 'No idea of the motive'
The sound of the explosion also roused the car’s owner. He says he has no idea why his car was targeted. "I was asleep and heard three loud bangs. When I went outside I saw that my car was on fire. No idea why explosives were placed in my vehicle."
Neighbour Monique has lived in this street for 50 years and links the explosion to the drug scene. "Police regularly turn up at the house in front of which the burnt-out car is parked. I think it has to do with drugs. You regularly see mopeds driving up and leaving as well as suspicious activity."
Police are not ruling out a link with the drug scene.