Europe reacts to Brussels attack, beefs up security

Hours after several blasts rocked the Belgian capital Brussels a series of meetings across various European countries discussed security plans to safeguard their people from further attacks.

France has decided to deploy 1,600 additional police officers to bolster security at its borders and on public transport following the deadly blasts in Brussels on Tuesday, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.

A total of 400 additional police officers will boost security in the greater Paris area, and military patrols will be refocused on public transport sites, the minister said after an emergency meeting with President Francois Hollande.

Cazeneuve said the country continued to face an "extremely high" security threat four months after the Islamist militant attacks in Paris in November that killed 130 people.

"After this morning´s attacks in Brussels, I decided to deploy 1,600 extra police officers at different points across the country, at border checkpoints, and also on air, sea and rail transport infrastructure," Cazeneuve told reporters.

Dutch PM advises against travel after Brussels attack

The Netherlands´ Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday advised Dutch citizens not totravel to Belgium following the bomb attacks in Brussels.

Rutte told a news conference that increased police and miltary checks are taking place at airports and train stations around the country.

However the threat level of an attack in the Netherlands has not been increased from the current "substantial" level, and the country has no concrete evidence of any immediate threat.

Meanwhile, Belgium is sending 225 extra troops to Brussels, Belgian news agency Belga said on Tuesday.