The question on the minds of many at the EU summit in Brussels is whether leaders might have been the target of a would-be suicide bomber.

Belgian investigators say they are investigating that possibility after the arrest of 14 people suspected of being linked to Al Qaeda.

Federal Prosecutor Johan Delmulle said: “Information has revealed that one of them received the green light to carry out an operation, and he didn’t think he’d be returning. The information also indicated that he’d said goodbye to those close to him, and he wanted to go to paradise with a clear conscience.”

Police say they are not yet sure where the target was, saying it might have been Afghanistan or Pakistan, but Belgium or somewhere else in Europe could not be ruled out.

Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme said: “We had to take this very seriously. Security forces intervened effectively, and this shows why some security measures are necessary.”

Police raided 16 properties in Brussels and Liege. Four of those detained are Belgians accused of recently travelling to Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight or train. A woman is also among those arrested.

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