Police shoot man in hunt for gunman who killed two Swedish nationals before Belgium match

Brussels police have shot and killed a man during a manhunt for the gunman who killed two Swedish nationals before Belgium's match against Sweden.

Monday's Euro 2024 qualifier was abandoned following the news that two men had been killed, with Belgium subsequently placed on its highest terror alert.

With the scores tied at 1-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Romelu Lukaku, the Swedish players reportedly told Uefa they did not want to play the second half.

Police have since killed a man who they suspect to be the attacker.

According to BBC News, the man was shot dead in a café in the Schaerbeek neighbourhood.

Belgian prosecutors reported the incident but said they could not yet confirm whether the man was the attacker.

Eric Van Duyse, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor’s office, said the investigation was focused on “a possible terrorist motivation for the shooting” after “a claim of responsibility was posted on social media”.

Authorities were working to verify the video, which shows a man wearing a fluorescent jacket get off a scooter armed with what appears to be an assault rifle and enter a nearby glass-fronted building.

He then appears to shoot at least one person.

“This person claims to be inspired by Islamic State,” Van Duyse said. “The Swedish nationality of the victims was put forward as the probable motive.”

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo took to social media to offer his "sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight's harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels".

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones," he said. "As close partners the fight against terrorism is a joint one."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also shared her condolences on social media.

"I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect," she said. "Together, we stand united against terror."