Hartlepool MP slams '˜savage and cowardly' Brussels attacks by '˜thugs and extremists'

Picture taken with permission from the Facebook site of Jef Versele showing the aftermath of this morning's explosions at Brussels airport

Hartlepool MP Iain Wright has sent a defiant message to the terrorists who attacked Brussels yesterday.

More than 30 people were killed and many more injured in blasts at Zaventem airport and Maalbeek metro station.

“These attacks are both savage and cowardly, designed to inflict as much death, injury, damage and fear as possible,” said Mr Wright.

“I am sure that everybody in Hartlepool, in keeping with the rest of our country, will want to extend our thoughts and sympathies with the families who have lost their lives, as well as the Belgian people, who have experienced this atrocity in their own country.

“Just as with the attacks in Paris last November, the UK will stand together against such appalling terrorist attacks and ensure that these thugs and extremists can never win.”

Flags flew at half-mast on civic buildings across the region yesterday and Sunderland’s Penshaw Monument was last night lit up in the black, yellow and red colours of the Belgian flag.

MEPs from across the region spoke of their horror over the attacks.

North East UKIP MEP Jonathan Arnott said: “This is a terrible attack, killing and maiming innocent people.

“My heart goes out to them and I hope that those directly and indirectly involved in causing this outrage are quickly brought to justice.