The Labour MEP for the East of England was in one of the metro stations in Brussels hit by an explosion this morning.

Richard Howitt was in the Maelbaek station 30 minutes before the suspected bomb exploded at around 8am.

International media sources are reporting that 34 people have been killed in what are believed to be co-ordinated explosions at Brussels airport and on the metro system.

Mr Howitt says the nearby European Parliament is in lockdown.

He tweeted from inside the parliament building: “We stand in silence but now proceed with vote in parliament. Democracy must always win.”

The airport is closed.