The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone has arrested two suspects on suspicion of damaging the police station on Boulevard Emile Bockstael with a homemade explosive during New Year's Eve, and targeting one of the officers.
The two hung a heavy (illegal) Cobra-type explosive on what appeared to be a deodorant can. They ignited the explosive when one of the police officers came to the door to see what was happening and threw the explosive in his direction.
The officer ran away and managed to escape just before the explosive detonated in the portal of the station. He was unharmed, but the portal was damaged by the blast and the two suspects fled the scene.
Given the seriousness of the incident, it was decided to issue a police report for attempted manslaughter.
One of the suspects was identified in early February and apprehended during a house search. This week, the second suspect was finally arrested as well.
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In addition to an alarm pistol (blank gun) in the case of the first suspect, further incriminating material was found which could link the pair to the above-mentioned offences. Following their interrogation, one suspect was placed under arrest through electronic surveillance, and the second was released on conditions.
The judicial investigation is ongoing.
