BREAKING NEWS: Pictures As Twin Explosions Hit Brussels Airport Killing 13

The Belgian media has reported that two blasts have torn through the departures area of Zaventem airport, Brussels, shortly after 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT).

An hour later, explosions hit Maalbeek metro station,
close to the EU institutions. The metro system and airport have both been closed.

Emergency services are clearing the airport completely as Belgium's Het Laatste Nieuws reports that more bombs have been found.

The Belga news agency reports that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the two explosions.

BBC News reports that at least 13 people have been killed and 35 injured in the airport attacks.

The cause of the explosion is still unclear.

All flights have been diverted.

See more photos below:

Damage at the departure lounge of Brussels airport

Metro station closed

Very distressing news coming from Brussels. My thoughts are with all those affected and with the emergency services who are responding now.