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Explosions hit Maelbeek Metro station at around 8.30am near to the EU HQ on the main Rue de la Loi avenue – just over an hour after two blasts at Brussels Airport.

The death toll stands at 20 casualties – but that figure has been rising throughout the day.

A total of 55 people have been injured in the second wave of attacks on the metro systems – with several reported to be critical.

Metro stations across Brussels have now been closed down to try and avoid any further incidents.

At least 14 people have been killed and 30 injured in two separate attacks at Brussels airport.

The death toll could rise following both incidents.

There were also reports of explosions heard at two other stations – the Arts-Loi and Schuman – near to Maelbeek station.

(Image: TWITTER) (Image: TWITTER) (Image: TWITTER)

Evan Lamos was on the metro at Arts-Loi heading towards Maelbeek when his train was stopped.

He and other passengers were forced to walk along the tracks through the smoke-filled tunnel.

He said: “On the metro between Schuman and Maelbeek. We have just been stopped due to an 'incident on the line'. Can hear soft thudding in distance.

“We felt a blast of air and my ears popped shortly after leaving Schuman station.

"The metro stopped immediately.”

(Image: CATERS)

(Image: DAILY STAR)

Brit Ian McCaffarty was travelling on the metro network at the time of the second set of blasts.

He told Sky News: "We heard a loud muffled thud. Some kind of panic set in and people rushed out of the metro station.

"There was a lot of panic and confusion and people did not know what was going on."

EU Commission staff, who work near to Maelbeek station, have been told to stay at home.

David Cameron will chair an emergency Cobra meeting this morning following the devastating series of attacks across Brussels.

Increased security has been brought in to London Gatwick aiport after police were told to prepare for as many as 10 co-ordinated attacks.

Eurostar has announced no trains will run to Brussels Midi station – and passengers have been told they can travel as far as Lille.

Belgium’s interior minister Jan Jambon said the country was on high alert for a possible revenge attack following the capture of Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam in a flat in Brussels on Friday.

Mr Jambon said: "We know that stopping one cell can push others into action. “We are aware of it in this case."