Attackers rammed a auto through the gates of Belgium’s crime institute early Monday and set fire to a lab containing crime scene samples, apparently in an effort to destroy evidence, Brussels prosecutors said. No one was injured in the fire or by a large explosion which shook houses nearby, the city’s prosecutors said.
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Five people were arrested for questioning, but were all released later on.
They had apparently deliberately targeted the wing where the laboratories are located in Neder-Over-Hembeek, a northern suburb of Brussels.
Part of the building was scorched and a burnt-out vehicle was later lifted from the scene by a crane.
“The location was not chosen randomly”, Van Wymersch said.
Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombings at the Brussels airport and subway killed 32 people on 22 March, and security forces remain on standby for another attack. She said the lab contains “sensitive information” being used in ongoing investigations. The institute carries out forensic examinations in criminal cases and is connected with the Belgian federal justice ministry.
Fire service spokesman Pierre Meys said there was an “extremely powerful” explosion, adding: “Windows of the lab were blown out dozens of metres away”.
A young woman living in the neighborhood said she was awakened by the explosion. The authorities have claimed that nothing indicates to the incident being a terror attack, while saying it could be at attempt to eliminate evidence.
The lab analyzed hair samples from Salah Abdeslam, the sole surviving participant in the November 13 terrorist attacks that killed 130 people in Paris, the Times said.
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“The Brussels Prosecutor’s office opened an investigation on arson”.
