The special operation began after a man of Polish origin ran into a shop and reported a murder in the Fora commune. The policemen didn’t find anything at the specified address, yet out of precaution, the police called in Special Forces to investigate.
"A special operation is being carried out. There may be one or more armed people in the house," commune representative told Sputnik.
Two armed men are reportedly holed up in an apartment according to the authorities.
Deux hommes armés retranchés dans un appartement d'après les autorités. #forest #Bruxelles #Brussel #Vorst pic.twitter.com/xnsL7ziOc1
— pierrebxl (@pierrebxl) 22 февраля 2018 г.
There are police helicopters in the sky cordoning off the territory.
Massive police operation ongoing in the #Forest area of #Brussels amid suspected presence of armed man/men in a building; area on lockdown https://t.co/iSrutfQSHT pic.twitter.com/LUonXuxvsh
— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) 22 февраля 2018 г.
🔴BREAKING
— jacktaggart (@jacktaggart) 22 февраля 2018 г.
Gros déploiement des services policiers à #Forest, près de la place Saint-Denis: "Les habitants priés de rester chez eux" https://t.co/YeS773r7hx #Bruxelles #Brussel
— RTL info (@rtlinfo) 22 февраля 2018 г.
The incident is reportedly taking place near a primary school attended by approximately 350 students. The children have been taken inside the building as a safety precaution.
Police have established an extensive security perimeter, recommending residents of the neighborhood to stay inside their homes.