again we see the contrast between the vain efforts to terrify through indiscriminate murder, and the call of God to be those who show mercy, who seek peace and pursue it.

"Let us at every service this week pray for those caught up in the traumatic events at the airport and in the City of Brussels."

Revd Dr Andrew Gardener, from St Andrew's Church of Scotland in Brussels, told Premier: "The airport is my second home sometimes.

"This is a place that many of the people in my congregation know very well, and it will raise huge amounts of fear among the ex-pat community as a whole.

"Easter as you know is a prime point in celebration in the Christian calendar and our Easter celebrations will be sobering this Sunday.

Revd Dr Andrewlot more vigilant and people will be a little bit concerned that something could happen here."

The explosion was close to the American Airlines desk.

Images on social media showed shattered windows and smoke rising from an airport building.

People could be seen fleeing in terror in video footage shot from an airport car park.

Footage from inside the building showed a scene of devastation with ceiling tiles strewn across the floor and suitcases abandoned.

Passengers were led onto the tarmac and travellers were urged to stay away from the airport.

Prime Minister David Cameron called a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergency committee and tweeted a message of support, saying: "I am shocked and concerned by the events in Brussels.

"We will do everything we can to help."

Foreign secretary Philip Hammond, speaking in Downing