Police officer dies in Jette after reported chase; man shot dead in Ixelles
Brussels prosecutors are investigating a police officer's death in Jette and a fatal shooting in Ixelles. Sources close to the investigation say the officer had pursued a suspect who opened fire, while early information suggests the two incidents are unconnected.
The Jette incident
Brussels prosecutors went to the scene in Jette overnight together with an investigating judge. Sources close to the investigation told De Morgen that a police officer began a pursuit around midnight after a car was stolen, and that the suspect then opened fire on the police. Three weapons were reportedly found in the stolen vehicle, and La Capitale reports that a suspect could be arrested. The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone confirmed that the officer who died was a member of its force and served in the Anti-robbery Brigade (AOB).
- Car theft in Jette; a police officer begins a pursuit of a suspect, according to sources close to the investigation
- A man is shot dead in Ixelles, the Brussels prosecutor's office says
- The Brussels prosecutor's office confirms the officer's death in Jette and announces a press conference later on Tuesday
With deep sorrow and great dismay, we learned of the death of our colleague from the Anti-robbery Brigade (AOB), who died while performing his duty.
The zone said its entire police force expressed sympathy to the officer's family, relatives and colleagues. It described the loss as an immense one for the force.
The Ixelles shooting
A man was shot dead in Ixelles on Monday evening, 12 October, the Brussels prosecutor's office said in statements on Tuesday morning. The circumstances of the shooting were not yet known when the reports were published. Police forces said they were deeply shocked by the deaths of their colleague and the man in Ixelles.
Links between the incidents and what comes next
The prosecutor's office said a press conference would be held later on Tuesday, 13 October, at which more information would be released. According to first information reported by VRT NWS, the two incidents are not connected, although that link had not been formally established at the time of reporting. The prosecutor's office has not yet explained the exact circumstances of either death.
