Belgian anti-terror investigators have taken over the investigation into a fatal knife attack on a Brussels police officer, the federal prosecutor's office has said.
"We took charge of the case because there is suspicion of a terrorist motive, which will be confirmed or disproved by the investigators," spokesman Eric Van Duyse said.
A judicial source said there was "a suspicion" that terrorism could have been the reason for the assault, but investigators have yet to gather evidence to substantiate it.
Local media reported that an assailant stabbed two officers in the area around the city's Gare du Nord railway station at around 6.15pm before being shot in the legs and abdomen by another police patrol.
One of the police officers reportedly died of his wounds after being stabbed in the neck and the other officer and perpetrator were hospitalised.
"Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens. Today's drama demonstrates this once again," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote on Twitter.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased officer. My sincere hope is that his hospitalised colleague will be well."
