Police to intervene as Maximilian migrant numbers rise

Belgian police are planning to intervene in the coming days at Maximilian park and the area around Brussels North station to stem an influx of migrants, interior minister Jan Jambon said on Wednesday in response to a parliamentary question.

According to federal government estimates, there are about 600 migrants in the area at the moment. Their numbers have risen from 100 in mid-November to 250 before Christmas and 500 on New Year's Day.

"We must continuously monitor numbers," Jambon said. "When an increase is noted, police intervene to prevent people settling in the neighbourhood. Actions are planned in the coming days."

Migrants camping around Maximilian park include Sudanese, Eritreans and Syrians. According to the League of Human Rights, one in 10 of them are unaccompanied minors.

Photo: Thierry Roge/Belga