Man shot in Brussels after attacking soldiers with machete

A man armed with a machete has been shot in Brussels after attacking soldiers, it has been reported.

The suspect, who is believed to be a Somali man, attacked two soldiers with a knife in Boulevard Emile Jacqmain on Friday (25 August) according to State broadcaster RTBF.

He reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" before attacking the soldiers near a street where ISIS -the so-called Islamic State - called for vehicle attacks just days ago.

The attacker was gunned down and was earlier reported to be in a critical condition. According to Mail Online emergency services attempted to resuscitate the attacker who died at the scene.

A spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor later confirmed "the suspect is dead" following the attack.

The soldiers suffered minor injuries, one to the hand and the other to the face.

Eyewitnesses on the busy boulevard described scenes of panic as two shots were fired and the area was quickly flooded with police.

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

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

Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted that "all our support is with our soldiers. Our security services remain on alert. We are following the situation closely".

Shortly after, Crisis Centre Belgium tweeted: "Soldiers have individual neutralized. Situation under control."

A spokeswoman for the prosecution service said: "With the identity that we currently have it is a 30-year-old man who is not known for terrorist activities."

Cordons are in place near the main Grand Place tourist attraction and the public have been urged to stay away from the area as investigations continue, Sky News reports.