Five arrested in Brussels after gang bomb crime lab 'because they wanted to destroy evidence

Terror fears were sparked this morning after attackers rammed the Brussels Institute of Criminology with a car before the building was ravaged by fire and explosions.

A vehicle carrying two people is said to have forced its way onto the site in northern Brussels before the attackers scaled a ladder and launched an arson attack.

 Thick black smoke was seen coming from the laboratories at about 3am this morning and residents reported hearing a loud blast sparking fears of a bomb blast.

The building was empty and no one was wounded. Local investigators believe the arson attack may have been an attempt to destroy evidence held in the building. The car was torched by the attackers.

Five people were arrested nearby and are being held and questioned, a spokeswoman for the city's prosecutors said.