Brussels

VRT the Belgian public broadcaster have said that the death toll  in Brussels has risen to 34, with 20 people killed in the blast on a Metro train and 14 in explosions at the airport. Around 151 others were also injured. British prime minister David Cameron will chair a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee saying he was “shocked and concerned” after the explosions this morning. Cameron said “we absolutely stand” with the Belgian people and that he has spoken to the Belgian prime minister, offering condolences and security support.

Tuesday morning will live in infamy for Belgium where the country's worst fears finally coalesced into a coordinated terror attack that at last count had left more than two dozen people killed and many more seriously injured. 

For months, Belgian authorities were on edge after it became apparent that the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek was used as a staging area for the attacks that killed some 130 people in Paris last November.

In the wake of the three (and now possibly four) explosions that rocked Brussels on Tuesday morning, Belgium has cancelled all air and rail traffic to the city. 

Eurostar has suspended all service to Brussels following a deadly explosion at Maelbeek metro station were more than 20 were reportedly killed this morning. 

Meanwhile, all flights from the Brussels airport are cancelled. 

This morning's Brussels bomb attacks have led to risk-off sentiment across European asset classes, with Bunds higher and equities firmly in the red, although if the Paris terrorist attacks of November are any indication, today's tragic events may be just the catalyst the S&P500 needs to surge back to all time highs. FX markets have also been dominated by events in Brussels, with USD and JPY strengthening, while EUR and GBP softening throughout the European morning.

Update: Belgian media have reported a fourth explosion.

Update: The Belgian army will deploy 275 more troops to Brussels as the city will once again come to resemble a war zone.

Update: Reports indicate the death toll from the twin airport blasts sits at 13 while casualties in the metro number 20. Cell phone networks are congested and authorities are encouraging Belgians to use messaging apps and social media to contact friends and family.