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A man armed with a machete has been shot dead after attacking soldiers in Brussels as he reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar".

Witnesses said on social media that they heard "two bangs" as a heavy police presence was reported in the Belgian capital on Friday evening.

A 30-year-old Somalian man was gunned down after he attacked the soldiers, according Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

Two soliders have been injured in the incident in Boulevard Emile Jacqmain in the city centre. Their injuries are not thought to be serious.

Pictures have emerged showing a number of paramedics working within a police cordon at the scene of the attack, as police officers stand nearby.

Thomas da Silva Rosa tweeted: "A man with a machete attacked soldiers on patrol in Brussels centre, now shot dead."

Ryan MacDonald wrote: "Sound of gunshot, heavy police presence outside on Boulevard Emile Jacqmain, Brussels."

Another man said: "Heard two bangs and loads of sirens in Brussels, anyone know what's happening?"

Federal Police spokesman Jonathan Pfunde said: "A man armed with a knife attacked a group of soldiers. The soldiers fired at him and neutralised the individual.”

Prime Minister Charles Michel added on Twitter: "All our support is with our soldiers. Our security services remain on alert. We are following the situation closely."

Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people in attacks on March 22, 2016 on the Brussels main airport and subway system.