Terrorism fears cut short Christmas market in Brussels
The traditional Christmas market has opened in Brussels, but with reduced hours and additional security measures in place following last week’s lockdown in the Belgian capital.
The city was virtually a no-go zone for tourists for almost a week due to intelligence that Islamic State were planning an attack in Brussels similar to the recent shootings in Paris.
However, the threat level in the city was reduced from the highest level to Level 3 on Thursday, which is the same for the rest of Belgian.
This means that there is a ‘possible and real threat’ of an attack and the Foreign Office warned visitors to remain alert and vigilant,, especially in places where there’s a high concentration of people.
However, the Christmas market in Brussels opened on Friday but with reduced hours and additional security measures in place.
Other public events and busy public areas across Belgium are also likely to see additional security, said the FCO.
It warned that some public events may be cancelled and some tourist attractions closed and visitors are advised to contact event organisers for information on whether specific events are going ahead.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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