Briton David Dixon confirmed killed in Brussels suicide attack

The one Briton missing in Brussels since the bomb attacks on Tuesday has been confirmed dead, The Telegraph reported on Friday.

David Dixon, a freelance computer programmer, who lived in the Belgian capital, had been in touch with his aunt after the initial blasts at Zaventem airport.

But it is thought that he then boarded the train on which a bomb detonated as it passed through Maelbeek station. Twenty people died in that blast and about 130 more were injured.

In a statement released through the Foreign Office on Friday, Dixon’s family said they had that morning received the “terrible and devastating news” that he had been confirmed dead.

“At this most painful time our family would gratefully appreciate it if we could be left alone to grieve in private,” the statement added.

Originally from Hartlepool, Dixon, 53, lived in Brussels with his partner, Charlotte Sutcliffe, and their seven-year-old son, Henry.

According to reports, his aunt, Ann Dixon, who lives in Hartlepool, had texted him to tell him about the airport attack. He replied saying he was fine and then reportedly also texted Sutcliffe to tell her the trains were still running.

Sutcliffe had reportedly searched hospitals in Brussels in the aftermath of the attacks in an attempt to find Dixon.

David Cameron tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to hear David Dixon was killed in the Brussels attacks. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.” 

Downing Street said on Thursday that a British police expert in victim identification was being sent to Belgium as part of support provided by the UK.

According to a Downing Street spokeswoman, six other UK citizens were known to have been injured in the attack, with four of them since discharged from hospital.

The other two were still receiving treatment, and a spokeswoman said she was unable to give any information about their condition.

Source : MENA