Dutch police stepped up security patrols at airports and tightened checks at borders after Tuesday's attacks in neighbouring Belgium, the security agency said.

Travellers passing through Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport reported delays and a heavy police presence. Security agencies declined to give details of any further measures taken, but maintained the national threat level at “substantial", one notch below the highest.

Flights were diverted from Brussels to Amsterdam following attacks at the Belgian capital's airport earlier on Tuesday in which at least 13 people are believed killed. Trains heading south to Belgium were subject to indefinite delays, Dutch state railways said.

Gatwick airport steps up security

London’s Gatwick airport stepped up security today after a string of explosions in Brussels as British Prime Minister David Cameron prepared to hold an emergency cabinet meeting on the attacks.

“As a result of the terrible incidents in Brussels, we have increased our security presence and patrols around the airport,” the airport said in a statement.

Cameron earlier said on Twitter he was “shocked and concerned” by the events in Brussels.

“I will be chairing a COBRA meeting on the events in Brussels later this morning,” Cameron said.

COBRA meetings are held to discuss how the government responds to emergency situations and bring together ministers, police and intelligence officers.

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