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Parts of a major European airport have been evacuated after an explosive device was found in a van outside one of its terminals.

Bulgarian police evacuated part of Sofia international airport while suspicious items of luggage were checked, the interior ministry's spokeswoman said.

A section of Terminal 1 was closed to travellers after the bags were seen in a van parked just outside the airport.

A Sofia airport spokeswoman said: "An explosive device had been found in the van."

Police are currently still trying to dispose of the device. Pictures from the scene show a robot searching the vehicle.

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Luggage could also be seen being removed from the van with police sniffer dogs inspecting the vehicle.

It is being reported by Canal 3 that the vehicle in which the explosive device was found has a Belgian number plate.

Brussels was recently brought to a standstill following a terror alert in the city last weekend.

Several Belgians have been linked to the Paris terror attacks which claimed the lives of 130 people.

Speaking to reporters at the scene in Sofia, the head of the local border police Antonio Angelov said: "We know who the bus is registered to, who the people are, what nationality.

"But for now we will not announce anything because the investigation is ongoing.

"We have done everything necessary. The threat is serious - as the dog reacts we are obliged to take measures."

Bulgarian police had earlier evacuated a section of the airport's Terminal 1 while bags seen in the van were checked.

(Image: Getty)

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