A shooting in the Brussels borough of Anderlecht left one person dead and a second person injured on Sunday the Brussels public prosecutor's office says. The suspect, who was carrying a military grade weapon, fled the scene. The victim who was killed was 28. Police think the person who was injured, had nothing to do with the attack.
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Man dies in Anderlecht shooting, culprit flees the scene on foot
Colin Clapson
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‘The Brussels South police zone received the report of a shooting in the area around the Aumale metro station at around 8.50pm,’ says prosecutor's spokesperson Yasmina Vanoverschelde.
She confirmed that one person, a man, had died. In addition, another person was injured. In the interest of the investigation, the prosecutor's office is not commenting further.
Suspect flees the scene
The shooting took place on Sebastopolstraat, at a café close to the Aumale metro station. Shots were fired at two people.
Bystanders tried to resuscitate one of the two people injured, but the man died of his injuries.
After the incident, a suspect, who was carrying a military grade weapon, fled on foot.
Police including special units attended the scene in large numbers. A police helicopter was also deployed to provide air support.
Designated hotspot
Earlier this year, the Aumale metro station, where drug dealing causes a lot of trouble, was the scene of several shootings.
Brussels prime minister Rudi Vervoort has added the neighbourhood to the list of ‘hotspots’ that enjoy ‘a coordinated anti-drugs approach’. In the 16 places on the list, alcohol is banned and identity checks, including body searches, may be carried out systematically.
To make drug dealing more difficult, several measures have already been taken in the neighbourhood. Traffic obstructions have been placed to make it more difficult for dealers and drug users to visit the area in their cars in order to deal drugs.
Police presence has also been increased. Street lighting has been improved and more surveillance cameras installed.
