BRUSSELS—The Brussels prosecutor is dismissing reports that a bomb exploded early Monday outside Belgium’s criminal institute, describing the incident as more likely an arson attack designed to destroy criminal evidence.
Officials told a news conference that five people had been detained in the vicinity of the crime lab following the incident and were being questioned by police.
“It’s probably not terrorism. It’s a criminal act,” said prosecutors’ spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch. “I cannot confirm that there was any bomb.”
“The location was not chosen randomly,” Van Wymersch added, saying the lab contains “sensitive information” being used in ongoing investigations.
The forensic facility assists and advises Belgium’s justice authorities in carrying out their investigations.
