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The shocking incident happened in Antwerp, Belgium, today.

Police say they have detained one person at the scene after preventing what could have been a mass casualty attack.

The suspect has been described as a man of North African appearance. He was reportedly wearing full camouflage and the car involved is thought to be a red Citroen.

It comes just a day after the UK was rocked by a horrifying attack in London and the nature of the two incidents bear chilling similarities.

The man behind the attack outside the Houses of Parliament has since been named.

(Image: TWITTER) (Image: TWITTER)

Police have confirmed that security in Belgium will be ramped up.

A spokesman said: "At about 11am this morning a vehicle entered De Meir at high speed due to which pedestrians had to jump away.

"A vehicle with French plates has tried to drive at high speed into the street.

"A man in camouflage was taken away."

He added that military and police officers have been sent to the area.

(Image: TWITTER)

The city's mayor Bart de Wever tweeted: “My gratitude on behalf of all Antwerp to the soldiers who have intervened, the police services and the special intervention force.”

Authorities say they were able to stop the car shortly after it ran a red light.

Soldier found weapons and other illegal items – including a "riot gun" – inside.

A bomb squad and canine search unit were drafted in as a military personnel swamped the city.

Witnesses reported seeing cops combing the area searching for clues.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said that “we remain vigilant. Our security services have done excellent work.”

(Image: GOOGLE)

The suspect has now been identified by Belgian federal prosecutors as 39-year-old Mohamed R., a French national who had been living in France.

It comes a year and day after suicide bombers killed 16 people after detonating explosive belts in Belgium's Zavantem Airport.

Yesterday, people marked the anniversary of the horrific bombings by holding candlelit vigils.