Belgium alert, Bamako hotel raid and Paris attack latest

Belgium on high alert

Belgian authorities have warned the public about the possibility of an imminent threat.

It is understood that the Brussels metro systems have been closed, and won't reopen until tomorrow afternoon.

Public gatherings, including football matches have been cancelled.

Mali hotel attack

19 people were killed in an attack on a lavish hotel in the city of Bamako in Mali, earlier this week. 130 hostages were held but finally freed.

The government has announced a 10-day state of emergency. Reports suggest at least two gunmen were responsible for the attack, but more may have been involved.

Paris attacks (UPDATE)

The mastermind of the Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud has been confirmed dead, after a raid on a flat in St Denis, in the Parisian suburbs.

Initial reports about a female suicide bomber have been retracted. Abaaoud was reportedly dentified through finger prints, after it was believed gunfire during the dramatic raid left his body virtually unidentifiable.