Terror attack thwarted as man who tried to drive into crowd in Antwerp arrested

From the Metro and Luxemburger Wort

A man has been arrested after trying to drive into a crowd in Antwerp, Belgium. Belgian police have confirmed a suspect has been detained.

Prosecutors have confirmed the suspect arrested is a French national. Other reports elaborate that he is of North African origin.

The maroon-coloured vehicle, believed to have French number plates, ran a red light before the man attempted to drive directly into a crowded shopping street.

Police in the northern Belgian city of Antwerp said the man tried to enter the main pedestrianised shopping street in a car at high speed.

Antwerp police chief Serge Muyters said….”A vehicle with French plates has tried to drive at high speed into the Meir (shopping street). A man in camouflage was taken away…The pedestrians had to jump aside,” he said.

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