International community condemns attack ‘aimed at heart of Europe’

David Cameron has condemned the attacks in Brussels as "appalling and savage", warning that Britain faces "a very real terror threat". The prime minister, who chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) committee hours after the attacks, said he was increasing security at British ports, airports, railway stations and underground stations.

"These are appalling and savage terrorist attacks and I've just spoken to the prime minister of Belgium to give our sympathies and our condolences to the Belgian people. They could just as well be attacks in Britain or in France or Germany, or elsewhere in Europe and we need to stand together against these appalling terrorists and make sure they can never win," Mr Cameron said.

French president François Hollande, whose country was the target of terrorist attacks last November which killed 130 people, said the global threat of terrorism required a global response. Speaking at the Élysée Palace in Paris, Mr Hollande said that Tuesday’s violence was directed at Europe itself.

“Terrorism struck Belgium, but it was Europe that was targeted, and everyone is concerned. We must be aware of the scope and seriousness of the terrorist threat. These attacks come after others: Paris, in particular, was targeted last year, in January and in November . . . But we are facing a global threat that requires a global answer,” he said.

Mr Hollande said France was strengthening border controls and stepping up security at key transport centres in the wake of the Brussels attacks.

The German government’s emergency crisis group met at the foreign ministry in Berlin and foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said his country’s officials were in close contact with their Belgian counterparts.

“The murderous attacks in Brussels, I condemn in the strongest terms. They aim at the heart of Europe”, Mr Steinmeier said.

“In this difficult time, Europe is standing together in solidarity. Belgium is not alone. Our Belgian friends can count on the solid support from Germany and Europe. We face the terrorism against [us] jointly and resolutely.”

‘Blind violence’

Pope Francis

condemned the “blind violence” of the attacks in a telegram sent on his behalf to the Archbishop of Brussels

Jozef De Kesel

, which said the pope was praying for the victims and their families.

“He expresses his deepest sympathy for the injured and their families, and all those who contribute to the rescue operations, asking the Lord to bring them comfort and consolation in their ordeal. The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering, and imploring of God the gift of peace, he invokes for the bereaved families and the Belgian people the consolation of divine blessings,” the telegram said.

US president Barack Obama, who was briefed on the attacks during a visit to Cuba, said the United States would do everything in its power to hunt down those responsible.

“We must be together regardless of nationality or race or faith in fighting against the scourge of terrorism. We can and we will defeat those who threaten the safety and security of people all around the world,” he said.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton expressed her sympathy with the victims, a sentiment echoed by Republican candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich. Republican front-runner Donald Trump, who described Brussels as a "hellhole" in January, on Tuesday recalled it as a "beautiful and safe" place.

“Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! US must be vigilant and smart!” he tweeted.