Italian woman dead in Brussels attacks: reports

Citing Foreign Ministry sources, news agency Ansa reported that the Italian embassy in Brussels is in contact with the family of the supposed victim while the identification process is being carried out.

The woman is thought to have been killed during an explosion at the city's Maelbeek metro station. There is yet to be official confirmation.

Three other Italians were among over 100 people injured in the metro station explosion, the Italian embassy said on Tuesday.

A tearful woman lays flowers at Maelbeek station. Photo: Thierry Roge/ AFP

Brussels transport authorities confirmed that at least 20 people died in the blast at the metro station, which is close to the European headquarters, and over 100 were injured.

Another 11 people (revised down from 14) were killed in the blasts at Zaventem airport.

Soldiers patrolling Brussels North station on Wednesday moing. Photo: Nicolas Maeterlinck/AFP

Italy on Tuesday raised its security level to 2, the highest possible in the absence of a direct attack