Belgium opens terror probe into machete attack on police that left female officer with deep wounds to face
Charles Michel says in aftermath of attack that 'initial indications very clearly point towards terrorism'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A machete attack on Belgian police which left a female officer with deep wounds to her face is being investigated as a terrorist incident, according to the Belgian prime minister.
Charles Michel cut short a holiday to southern France to return to Belgium after the incident on Saturday in Charleroi, during which the assailant was reported to have shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great).
The attacker approached two female officers outside the main police station in the city, and both suffered injuries before another officer, who was nearby, shot the assailant dead.
One policewoman received only minor injuries, while the other required hospital treatment for "serious wounds" to the face. Neither's condition was described as "life-threatening".
In the aftermath of the attack, Mr Michel told broadcaster RTL by phone: "Initial indications very clearly point towards terrorism."
On Sunday he met with federal police and intelligence services chiefs over the attack the the National Security Council.
Mr Michel's spokesman, Barend Leyts, said the independent OCAM agency that assesses risks to Belgium's internal security was consulted and decided to keep the current threat level unchanged.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments