Prosecutors have identified the attacker as K.B., a 33-year-old Algerian man who had lived in Belgium since 2012. He had a criminal record but was not known to police for terror-related offenses.

The assailant, who shouted “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greatest” in Arabic) during the assault on Saturday afternoon, was shot by a third police officer and later died of his injuries. He was carrying a rucksack but no explosives or other weapons were found.

Prime Minister Charles Michel cut short his holiday and said security was being increased at police stations.

“I repeat my message that we must keep a cool head. We must avoid panic of course… and not give in to terror. That’s the trap that’s been set for us,” he told a news conference.

Both policewomen sustained wounds to their face and neck and were rushed to hospital, where they were placed in a medically induced coma, Belgian media reported.

A spokesman for the Charleroi police told RTBF state media that one of them was seriously wounded as she received “very powerful” machete blows on her face. The other officer was more lightly wounded, also above the neck. (Euronews)