Europe's most wanted man has evaded capture once again after heavily-armed police officers launched raids across Brussels and arresting 16 people. Salah Abdeslam was not arrested by police in Belgium during 19 raids linked to an "imminent" threat to the European nation from suspected Islamist fanatics.
At a press conference this at around 11.30pm UK time on Sunday, Belgian prosecutors revealed one suspect drove towards police after being spotted. Officers dodged the car but were forced to fire shots at it and then arrested the person inside. No weapons or explosives were recovered by police in any of the raids.
Speaking at the late-night press conference, Belgian prosecutor Eric Van der Sypt said: "Belgian investigators ordered a total of 19 house searches in the Brussels region.
"There were also three house searches carried out in Charleroi. "In total 16 people were arrested. The investigating judge will decide tomorrow about their further possible detention. During a search in a snack bar in the Molenbeek, a vehicle ran into the police after which the police officers fired two shots."
"The vehicle rushed off but was intercepted later in Brussels."The driver, a man who was hurt, was arrested. For the time being we cannot confirm if there is a relation between the ongoing investigation and this arrest."
"No further specific incidents occurred during the searches. No further information can be given about objects found or about the identity of the person arrested. Until now, no firearms or explosives were found."
"Salah Abdeslam is not among the persons arrested during the searches.The investigation continues." Abdeslam was said by Le Soir newspaper to have been identified fleeing in the direction of Germany in a BMW.
UK Mirror
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