Gunfire and grenades in the centre of the Belgian city of Liege have killed there people and wounded 123.
A man threw grenades into a crowded square from a rooftop before killing himself.
Two of the dead were school boys who had just taken their exams. They were killed on the spot and a woman, 75, died of her wounds later.
The attack happened shortly after midday on Tuesday in Place Saint Lambert, where a Christmas market was being held.
The Belga press agency named the man as Nordine Amrani, 32. He was said to be attempting to escape from custody.
Earlier reports said at least two more men were involved, but city officials said the attacker acted alone.
The public prosecutor said terrorism was not a cause.
Amrani was jailed for 58 months in September 2008 for possessing firearms.
The BBC reports Place Saint Lambert is a busy location which hosts an annual Christmas market that attracts some 1.5 million visitors a year.
